Double award joy for pupil podcast at Weaverham High School

Recognising a class or team that deserves to be rewarded for their hard work or goes the extra mile every day. We wanted to hear about classes or teams that deserved to be rewarded for their hard work. It may be a sports team that has gone the extra mile, an after-school club or school choir that has carried out outstanding work in the community, or a class of primary or high school pupils that have excelled in their studies or on a special project.

Winner: The Weaverham Way podcast team at Weaverham High School

Digital Innovation Award sponsored by Thor UK

This award recognises an individual, team, school or college that has excelled in the use of digital technology or can demonstrate innovation in order to help others. Judges looked for evidence that the technology/initiative has had a positive impact on educational outcomes of students inside or outside the classroom, supported teaching or benefited the wider community.

Winner: The Weaverham Way podcast at Weaverham High School

WHAT’s better than winning one Guardian Education Award 2024? Winning two!

We were so blown away by a team of young people in Weaverham that we gave them two of our awards – Class / Team of the Year and Digital Innovation.

Weaverham High School is committed to ensuring that young people are engaged with learning, motivated to strive for excellence and break boundaries.

Students are encouraged to use their voices positively and make a difference to the school community.

The Weaverham Way podcast does just that.

An episode is produced each half term by year seven and year eight pupils and seeks to support arts and culture education.

Episodes have focused on mental health and wellbeing, celebrated art and culture and raised awareness for anti-bullying week.

READ MORE:

The inspirational winners of our Guardian Education Awards 2024

There is also a regular feature known as The Weaverham Worries in which the team addresses any pupils’ concerns anonymously.

The Team of the Year Award was presented to The Weaverham Way podcast team by Pauline Yould from Tata Chemicals

Teacher Charlotte Murray said: “The podcast helps to bring out community together and has developed a culture where students feel able to express themselves.

“The podcast gives our students a voice – some like to present and record, some like to edit or write articles and some love the opportunity to express ideas and concerns and hear them discussed in episodes.

“We begin with very little equipment and have gradually grown.

“We now have our podcast room in school and student voice supports that they feel inspired and proud of their digital success.”

Scott Betts from Thor UK was on hand to present the Digital Innovation Award to The Weaverham Way podcast team

Headteacher Clare Morgan said: “Developing pupil leadership opportunities is a significant part of the Weaverham offer so to hear that our amazing podcasters have been recognised for their brilliant work is truly wonderful.

“Our pupils make us proud each and every day.

“This group of young people have used their talents and desire for pupil voice to be heard and have in turn created an innovative and creative initiative that will no doubt continue to grow in our school.

WATCH OUR WINNERS RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS:

“They combine their passions and talent for performing arts with their desire to bring to the fore relevant and important issues such as mental health of young people and they do so in a creative and accessible way.

“Mrs Murray’s contribution to this strand of our leadership programme can’t be underestimated.

“She inspires, encourages and ensures that all those who take part have an opportunity to contribute and feel a real sense of belonging.

“We are immensely proud that their efforts have been recognised with these two prestigious awards.”