Students from Kirrawee Public School in New South Wales are stepping into the spotlight, showcasing their podcasting skills on prime-time radio. Sixth grader Sophie Johnson and Sophie Antidormi, a fifth grader, recently appeared on Hamish Macdonald’s Morning Show on ABC Radio Sydney, marking a significant achievement in their educational journey.
The students have been honing their podcasting abilities as part of a program initiated in 2024. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also enhances critical thinking and communication skills. Principal Cameron Campbell emphasized the program’s alignment with curriculum goals, stating, “Podcasting gives students a platform to create, connect, and think critically.” He noted that it supports outcomes in English and Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), while building essential digital literacy and collaboration skills.
The podcasting program began with students interviewing residents at a local retirement village as part of a history unit focused on ‘change and identity’. The success of this endeavor prompted the school to expand the initiative into an enrichment activity for high-potential and gifted education (HPGE) students. “Enrolments are up, and engagement has skyrocketed,” Mr. Campbell reported. He added that the program empowers students and enhances their understanding of the world through community connections.
David Mahoney, the school’s STEM Coordinator and leader of the podcasting initiative, described the program as a way to cultivate the next generation of storytellers. “They’re not just talking into a microphone – podcasting is teaching students how to plan, research, listen actively, and produce for a real audience,” he explained. The students have also had the opportunity to interview notable authors such as Jacqueline Harvey and Sue Whiting.
Future episodes are set to feature interviews with an Aboriginal elder and a wellbeing series in collaboration with a Police Youth Liaison Officer. Plans are also underway for an alumni series, further enriching the podcast’s content and community engagement.
Since the introduction of podcasting kits into the statewide STEM borrowing library in 2024, nearly 200 schools across New South Wales have participated in the program. Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Murat Dizdar, highlighted the importance of real-life engagement opportunities in education, stating, “If you want to lift literacy and numeracy standards, you’ve got to look for real-life engagement opportunities for our students.”
The success of Kirrawee Public School’s podcasting program serves as a testament to the positive impact of innovative educational practices. As these young podcasters continue to develop their skills, they are not only enhancing their own learning experiences but also contributing to a broader dialogue within their communities.
