Salford award-winning teacher receives grant for educational podcast empowering students

Hal Eccles, a dedicated secondary school teacher, has been awarded a prestigious grant of £25,000 from the Let Teachers SHINE competition, organized by education charity SHINE.

With this funding, Hal plans to develop an educational podcast produced and hosted by students, which will offer valuable insights, guidance, and support for GCSE exam candidates.

The podcast, set to cover a wide range of subjects from the curriculum, will delve into complex concepts and difficult content areas.

Each episode will focus on a different subject, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the exam material.

However, what sets this podcast apart from traditional educational resources is its unique approach to delivery.

Hal envisions the show as a light entertainment format, with relatable student hosts discussing topics that resonate with their peers.

By adopting this approach, the podcast aims to engage and inspire students, making the learning experience more accessible and enjoyable.

Hal is keenly aware of the challenges faced by students from disadvantaged backgrounds and hopes that the podcast will provide them with the tools they need to achieve better exam results.

In addition to addressing difficult subject matter, the podcast will also feature segments on effective revision techniques, debunking misconceptions, and promoting good mental health practices during the exam period.

Interviews with older students who have already navigated the GCSE exams successfully will provide valuable insights and tips for younger listeners.

To ensure the success of the project, the grant money will be invested in state-of-the-art podcasting technology.

A dedicated studio will be set up within the school premises, equipped with the necessary equipment to produce high-quality podcasts.

Hal and another teacher will receive comprehensive training to operate the equipment effectively and create engaging content.

They will then share their knowledge with students through workshops, empowering them to become skilled podcast creators themselves.

To reach a broader audience, the podcast will be hosted on popular platforms such as Apple and Spotify.

This will ensure that the episodes are easily accessible to students and teachers across the country.

By adopting a professional standard of production and hosting, the podcast aims to reach the widest possible audience and make a lasting impact on students’ learning experiences.

Hal’s vision for the project extends beyond the initial season.

He plans to expand the scope of the content by introducing more subjects and themes, potentially covering A-Level topics and catering to Year 6 students as they transition to high school.

He is also exploring collaborations with other schools in the region, aiming to involve students from diverse backgrounds and foster a sense of community.

Partnerships with local organizations, such as BBC Media City and the University of Salford, are being sought to provide valuable insights and opportunities for the students involved.

With a long-term perspective in mind, Hal is designing a comprehensive training program to ensure the sustainability of the podcast.

Each year, a new group of trained presenters will take over the reins, allowing the project to continue and thrive for years to come.

This rolling program will provide students with valuable skills and knowledge, encouraging them to pursue media-related careers in the future.

Upon receiving the £25,000 grant, Hal expressed his surprise and excitement about the support for his vision.

He has received positive feedback from colleagues and students who are eager to contribute to the project’s success.

The podcast promises to be an all-encompassing initiative involving every department of St Patrick’s RC High School and reaching beyond to the wider community.

SHINE CEO, Dr Helen Rafferty, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, praising Hal’s creativity and passion as an exemplary teacher.

She eagerly anticipates the launch of the podcast and believes it has the potential to make a significant impact on students’ exam preparation and overall educational experience.

For more information, you can visit SHINE’S website by clicking here.