Former Olympic hurdler and Tory MP cut the ribbon on student radio station

Situated amongst the shops and businesses of the high street Parkview Academy doesn't look like your average school.

Inside it's a hive of activity which is now home to a brand new radio suite, designed to give hands-on teaching in radio, recording and broadcasting.

Its public launch brought together an unlikely line-up of Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett, former Olympic hurdler Tony Jarrett, Birmingham based rapper Chase Blake and ex-Greenwich mayor Mick Hayes.

Tony Jarrett and David Evennet officially open the radio recording suite.

The crowd cheered as the ribbon was cut on the new facility which looks ahead to the future of a truly modern curriculum.

Officially opening the recording suite Mr Evennett joked that he would leave the rapping to the expert and said: "I'm privileged to be here today at such an important event and such a great facility that's doing fantastic work in education."

Media coordinator Lee Parks said students have gotten stuck in with recording and editing video which is then uploaded to the school's newly created radio station website.

He said the kids have dived in with students vlogging about their favourite sports to interviewing staff live on air.

The idea of teaming up with Pirate FM Education and Training was born two months ago, with staff believing it could boost self esteem and engagement with pupils by giving a voice to those who may otherwise feel voiceless.

It came into fruition this week when staff from the Cornwall based business visited to install the professional recording booth and teach workshops.

David Evennet and Mick Hayes leave the rapping to MC Chase Blake.

Paul Fenton from Pirate FM, who has been at Parkview Academy all week, said he was impressed by the engagement and enthusiasm from pupils.

"This place is so inspiring because they're dealing with people who have complex issues. There's so many problems they're confronting.

"This is one of the most challenging environments you'll see."

Mr Fenton, who has been installing equipment and teaching workshops with Pirate FM for the past 10 years, said engaging students is the "biggest challenge".

He added: "What people are learning is that media is really being changed by technology. It's becoming accessible to the masses and it needs to be used as a learning tool.

"It's showing a real work place job but attaching it to the curriculum."

Mick Hayes, Lee Parks and Tony Jarrett celebrate the launch of Parkview radio.

Parkview Academy is one of three Alternative Learning Provision (ALP) centres, with the other two based in Gravesend and Leicester.

As part of the open day Enfield born hurdling legend Tony Jarrett talked to the young people about the challenges he's faced from growing up in north London to training.

He talked about the highs of winning gold in the Commonwealth games and lows of being dubbed "Tony-no-gold" by BBC Big Breakfast host Chris Evans when he secured a silver.

Jarrett also praised the people around him when he was growing up, who in a similar way to the staff at Parkview, ensured he reached his full sporting potential.

"I had some really good people who supported me," he said. "You can't do it by yourself, you have got to have people around."

Talking about some of the challenges facing young people in Greenwich and Bexley today, Jarrett said they have to learn who they are for themselves.

He said: "You have kids just learning stuff- what they want to be like, what they want to do.

"I didn't know what I wanted to be like. It's about learning for yourself, everyone in this room has a talent."

Staff with special guests at Parkview Academy.

Conservative MP Mr Evennett agreed, saying young people must find their talents and focus on them.

After being interviewed by a key stage four pupil about his career in politics- and what the Prime Minister's favourite colour is- Mr Evennett praised the school's approach to learning.

He said: "I'm really inspired by what I have seen here.

"Education is so important- it gives us a passport to the future."