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the importance of healthy, constructive and respectful dialogue – a core lesson which we hope will inform their interactions throughout their lives.


What new skills have students learnt from being involved with the initiative? Podcasting is a medium that is, of course, highly technical and entails a number of specific new skills in order to deliver a polished end-product. From a technical standpoint, they learn how to operate recording equipment, edit audio using the right software and publish episodes online. These are invaluable, transferable skills that prepare them for a world increasingly reliant on technology and multimedia communication.


Inspired by their experience with ‘In The Meadows’, one student has since become involved with a local radio station – enabling them to further explore their passion for media and storytelling.


our podcast platform supports the development of each of these values for our staff and students.


We know podcasts are growing in popularity, particularly amongst young adults. Indeed, almost a third of young people aged 15-24 in the UK tune into podcasts each week. Not only that, but podcasts enjoy the highest levels of popularity amongst this age bracket. However, we know that alongside the tidal wave of podcasts now proliferating the online space, unfortunately misinformation and disinformation often seems to follow. Take, for instance, the recent controversy involving Steven Bartlett, host of the UK’s second most popular podcast, ‘Diary of a CEO’. Despite the podcast’s popularity and high profile, a BBC investigation found the podcast was “amplifying harmful health misinformation”. Clearly, we need to ensure our young people are armed to discern facts from fiction when consuming media online, and by setting up the podcast we teach the importance of rigorous research and resilience.


However, more than that, we wanted to ensure our students were given a platform to explore the issues that matter to them. ‘In The Meadows’ has been a pivotal way for us to uplift our students’ voices and give them a dedicated space to discuss the topics they are passionate about. The podcast has been an important part of how we make students feel like there is a space for them at Judgemeadow, showing them how we value their voices.


What was the impact on pupils, their learning and their engagement? ‘In The Meadows’ has profoundly impacted pupils by fostering a dynamic learning environment where creativity and curiosity thrive. Students are directly involved in every stage of the process and this hands-on approach has transformed abstract academic skills into practical tools.


Our students feel a deep sense of pride due to the ownership they have over the project. Rather than passively consuming information,


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they have become active creators, motivated by the knowledge that their work is reaching a real audience.


It has also built confidence too, especially when their podcast on ‘Uganda 50’ – an important historical moment for the people of Leicester – was picked up by BBC Radio Leicester, who then interviewed our students.


What has the impact been on the wider community and the school’s relationship with the community?


The podcast initiative has served as a bridge between the school and the wider community, creating a sense of mutual appreciation and collaboration. Interviews with local leaders – such as the High Sheriff of Leicestershire and Fatimah Bobra, the first hijabi finalist in the Miss Teen GB beauty pageant – help the community to see the school as a hub of innovation and connection.


Most importantly, it has helped our students meet people with different perspectives from all walks of life. By providing our students with this platform, we have been able to show them


On the interpersonal side, our students have honed their ability to collaborate, manage time effectively and present ideas confidently. They practice critical thinking and empathy by engaging with complex topics and understanding diverse viewpoints during interviews. Leadership and teamwork skills have also emerged as students took turns managing various aspects of production.


How can other schools benefit from this kind of project?


Getting started with a podcast of your own may seem daunting, but I can wholeheartedly say that it has been a worthwhile investment of time for Judgemeadow Community College and the wider community our school serves. The greatest benefits we have seen are when we have integrated the podcast and episode themes into the curriculum. For instance, this involved tying episodes to subjects like history through topics such as Black History Month and Remembrance, as well as honing their writing and speaking skills to support English lessons.


At its core, this kind of project is a powerful tool in giving students a voice, empowering them to lead and strengthening school- community bonds. It’s an initiative that doesn’t just teach – it inspires.


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