West Point Primary used a blend of open source and prorietary software to introduce podcasting with Key Stage 2 pupils, making it easier for the school to stay in touch with its local community.
Weston Point Community Primary School: 4-11, 114 students, in Runcorn, Cheshire
To reap the benefits of a whole-school approach to the production of podcasts
Background
We wanted a modern way to communicate with the local community on the thoughts, ideas and work of our pupils. We initially applied for a community radio licence but were unsuccessful. We then decided that podcasting was the way forward, as it allowed us to pre-record pupils and edit the sound clips together to produce a radio show. Our aim was to produce two or three podcasts in the autumn term and then increase frequency in the spring term.
The ICT coordinator, Chris Bayne, purchased the hardware and software required and liaised with the Year 5/6 teacher as to what the podcasts should contain, and we then consulted the pupils and staff as to what we could include in future podcasts. Initially the head, the deputy (ICT coordinator) and the Year 5/6 teacher were involved in the project; towards the third podcast recording this then expanded to include the Year 4 teacher.
We involved children from all the year groups in the podcasts, covering the school’s age range from Reception to Year 6. The children wrote their scripts and recorded the material for the podcast both in school and at home. We recorded the whole school singing as well as individual children for short interviews. Finally, the podcasts were edited and put together by Chris Bayne at home.
The main support came locally from INEOS ChlorVinyls which provided the initial funding that helped us to purchase the relevant equipment.
Equipment needed
We have bought and used these items. Since the initial outlay we have not needed to buy anything more.
- Minidisc recorder (£250)
- Microphone – there are many different types, but worth getting a decent one (£50)
- Audacity sound editing software – free OSS
- epodcast Producer – needed if you want to series link the podcasts (£150)
- Jingles –a pack of 6 through eBay, professional sound and cheap (£28)
Transferability
Podcasting is transferable to virtually any establishment and does not need a particularly high level of computer expertise. The software allows you to load all your sound clips onto the main screen and then drag them around until they flow in one smooth show. The recorder makes the podcast completely portable so it can be taken around school or out on a visit and is really straightforward to use.
An important aspect is the need to commit some dedicated time to recordings – our children have really been enthused by the project and write reams and reams at home for the scripts. We haven’t had to do any chasing or arm twisting! Adults haven’t been involved in the recording of our podcasts; it’s all done by the children.
Outcomes of the project
The podcast project has surpassed all our expectations; it has been a tremendous success and continues to go from strength to strength.
We took the podcast recorder to Chester Zoo and interviewed the keepers. We also interviewed local TV and radio personalities in school – they wanted to come into school to do their own feature on our podcasts but we were able to turn the tables on them and record them too! We interviewed local members of the community, including a guide dog trainer, and also members of local industry who were happy to come in and speak about their role in the community. The local authority was interested in having pupils interview our link adviser, which they did when she visited the school.
One thing the children found very useful is that if they make a mistake, they know they can re-record it straight away and the good version will get used. This means that they don’t get annoyed with themselves and also don’t get too nervous about recording. The podcasting has given the children a feeling of self-worth, confidence and a desire to improve their speaking and listening. They sound like proper little DJs now!
Challenges
Our main challenge was showing the older school children how to use the podcast recorder. It is relatively straightforward to use but it was initially quite time consuming showing the children how to record. Other than that, the project has been relatively problem free.
Having successfully launched a series of audio podcasts, we now intend to launch a video podcast. In order to adhere to child protection issues and not use children on screen, we have decided to use a puppet. This will enable us to show short video clips, using the stop-motion animation videos that some of the children have made, getting the puppet to talk about the children’s work while standing next to a display.
We plan to launch our own version of the X Factor on the summer term’s podcasts. Children will be able to vote through the school website for the act they feel deserves a place in the next round. This activity will promote speaking, listening, music and co-operation throughout the school.
Here are some useful links.
- Audacity – choose the stable version not the beta release
- ePodcast Producer – try before you buy; you may just want to have your podcast as a standalone mp3 file rather than have people subscribe to it
- Jingle creation – buy your ‘tailor made’ jingle packages here
- Website design – schools.ik.org, a great company for easy to build/maintain websites (loads of templates)
- Website design – our school’s website
- iTunes software – download the software to subscribe to podcasts and to submit your own for listing in the Apple music store