But we believe every voice matters—and deserves to be celebrated!
That’s why this week, we’ve been working on a fantastic new project: building our very own podcast room!
The young people have been at the heart of this process, from designing the space to getting hands-on with the build.
Why Is This Important?
The government has highlighted the critical role of speaking and listening skills in schools, emphasising that literacy is about much more than just reading and writing. Strong oracy skills—the ability to articulate ideas, listen actively, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
For many of our young people, these skills are an area for development. Through engaging activities like podcasting, we create opportunities for them to practice speaking, listening, and expressing themselves in ways that are natural and enjoyable. This helps to:
- Build their confidence to share their thoughts and opinions.
- Foster teamwork and social interactions.
- Develop expressive language and communication skills that are essential for their future.
- Inspire Excellence
Ron Berger’s research highlights the transformative power of producing beautiful work. By encouraging young people to create something meaningful, like podcasts, they take pride in their efforts, develop perseverance, and gain a deeper sense of accomplishment.
Why Podcasts?
- Building Communication Skills: Talking, listening, and expressing ideas are essential life skills. For many of our young people, practicing these skills in a fun, low-pressure environment helps them grow in confidence and social interaction.
- Making It Fun: When learning is engaging, progress follows. By centering projects around the young person’s interests, we create an atmosphere where growth happens naturally.
- Empowering Leadership: We want our young people to take the lead—choosing guests, exploring topics they love, and conducting interviews that spark curiosity and creativity.
Our team? They’re not just mentors—they’re co-adventurers! Whether it’s laughing at themselves or diving into new challenges alongside the young people, they’re here to make this a pressure-free, judgment-free experience.
We’re so excited about where this project might take us! It’s not just about podcasts—it’s about nurturing self-expression, learning new skills, and creating a space where every young person feels seen and heard.
