Teach-Secondary-14.1

+ A 6-point plan for supporting students with additional needs + How to maintain gravitas in your spoken delivery + How much will it cost to recruit 6,500 more teachers? + Why oracy and social mobility are intertwined + The case for teaching students about computer assembly and configuration + What your school can do to support Y6 to Y7 transitions + 5 daily classroom routines to ensure your lessons go without a hitch ALEX GRAINGE Associate principal, Judgemeadow Community College ROBIN LAUNDER Behaviour management consultant and speaker DJAMILA BOOTHMAN Assistant principal ROBWRAITH Head of learning, technology and digital learning, NCG CLARE ELSON Inclusion and safeguarding lead ZEPH BENNETT PE teacher and school achievement leader A t Judgemeadow Community College, our student-led storytelling and discussion podcast, ‘In the Meadows’, is emblematic of howwe provide our students with opportunities to use their voices. The podcast embodies the principles of inclusion, belonging, and self- expression, equipping students with essential communication skills and an understanding of broadcast media. Podcasts have become a transformative medium for Gen Z, with almost a third of young people aged 15-24 in the UK regularly listening to podcasts each week. Many podcasts see their highest rates of listenership amongst this age bracket, driving home the medium’s appeal to a generation that’s evidently eager to learn, engage with social issues and share their voices. ‘In the Meadows’ gives our students a unique platform for exploring the topics that matter to themmost, while also showcasing voices from their local community. Previous guests have included the High Sheriff of Leicestershire and Fatimah Bobra – the first hijabi finalist in the Miss Teen GB beauty pageant. Through discussions around Black HistoryMonth, Remembrance and faith-based celebrations, students have been able to cultivate an inclusive dialogue that celebrates diversity, while encouraging empathy and understanding. The initiative originated as part of the school’s broader commitment to fostering a positive culture, helping our students foster their own sense of empathy and respect the differences they may have with others. The school saw the potential of podcasts to bridge communication gaps, celebrate students’ interests and provide them with new learning opportunities. ‘In the Meadows’ quickly became a thriving space for collaboration and creativity, and the outcomes have been striking. Students have honed their active listening skills, embraced differing viewpoints and developed a deeper appreciation and respect for the stories that have shaped others’ lives. The podcast has not only given the students the chance to forge new relationships within their local community, but also helped to expand their worldview, by opening doors to careers and opportunities that may never have crossed their minds otherwise. For some, the podcast has become a springboard to new opportunities, as they learn the various skills required to record, edit and publish a high quality episode. Any given episode calls for thorough research, a solid grasp of media production and a talent for public speaking. One student has since become involved with a local radio station, so that they could further develop their passion for media and storytelling. As podcasting continues to grow in popularity among young people, its potential to inspire and educate within schools is immense. Our podcast has helped our students articulate their identities, celebrate their communities and foster a sense of belonging. Ultimately, ‘In the Meadows’ has beenmore than just a broadcasting project; it’s been a tool for empowerment. LEARNING LAB INTHIS ISSUE PODCASTING CONTRIBUTORS Thinking about… ABOUT THE AUTHOR Alex Grainge is associate principal of Judgemeadow Community College L E A R N I N G L A B 75 teachwire.net/secondary