A sixth form student from Fosse Way, the special school in Westfield, has amazed both teaching and radio staff alike with a music feature he has devised and presented about his favourite rock band, Queen.

Daniel Burton, a Year 13 student, takes part in work experience at the studios of Somer Valley FM in Midsomer Norton every Tuesday morning with fellow sixth formers, Jack Tate and Nicole Heath. The training is provided by a charity established by the radio station: the Somer Valley Education Trust. All new trainees at the station, which is located on the campus of Somervale School, quickly discover that a desk is not simply a familiar item of classroom furniture, but the studio component central to the discovery of new abilities in broadcasting.

Somer Valley Education Trust’s twin educational goals are to enable trainees to develop skills that will enable them to succeed both in the field of audio media as well as the wider world of working life. The students learn to create and present content for radio as well as editing, operating the desk and many other production skills.

Throughout each session, the budding broadcasters are expertly supported by the Trust’s Lead Trainer, Maggie Harding. Commenting on the students’ burgeoning abilities in broadcasting, Maggie said: “They thoroughly enjoy their time with us. It is wonderful to see their confidence growing in a real work situation.”

Daniel’s interest in legendary rock band Queen was first sparked when he chanced upon some of the memorable videos for the band’s hit singles on YouTube. It was not long before he had sought out vinyl editions of many of Queen’s classic albums and become a particular admirer of their sixth long-player, ‘News of the World’, which contains the number two hit single, ‘We Are the Champions’. It therefore came as no surprise when Daniel announced that he would like to create an extended feature on the band for broadcast. In preparation for recording, Daniel undertook some thorough research into Queen’s history. This entailed making some interesting discoveries about the early life of front man, Freddie Mercury, in Zanzibar and early incarnations of the band before the classic line-up came together. After honing a script based on his findings, Daniel selected some favourite songs that represent all eras of the band’s history for inclusion in the feature.

Drawing on the impressive repertoire of skills he has developed in editing, Daniel has produced a show that has hugely impressed the staff who work closely with him. His great passion for the music of Queen and warmly engaging presenting style are abundantly evident throughout. Unscripted links between the songs were all created by Daniel in a single take.

Daniel’s Queen feature is now earmarked to appear in a future edition of Somer Valley FM’s ‘Open Mic’ programme, which is broadcast on Tuesday evenings at 6pm. Listeners in the local area are able to find the station at 97.5FM or else click the ‘Listen’ button at: www.somervalleyfm.co.uk

Furthermore, Daniel’s show will now be entered in the Somer Valley Education Trust’s annual Star Maker competition. The competition is open to all students who have undertaken training at Somer Valley FM. Entrants are able to submit a feature on music or sport, an interview or a podcast for the competition.

This year, the awards presentation will take place at Midsomer Norton Town Hall on Sunday, 14th November. As well as prizes, Arts Awards certificates will be presented at the event to reflect the achievements of the young broadcast trainees. One prize is given for the student whose work improves the most during the training programme.

Asked if he would like to pursue a career in radio, Daniel responded without hesitation: “Yes I would! I would love to be a presenter!”