St. Colman’s students lead the way with school’s podcasts
Teaching and challenging our students in this new blended learning environment has presented both challenges and opportunities for the students in Transition Year. A challenge they have taken up in so many different areas of their studies.
There is a unified sense of a ‘new normal’, with the youth getting used to these temporary circumstances of online learning and Groundhog Day repetitiveness. In our college, many of enthusiastic Transition Year students have utilised this time with great efficiency by participating in a School Podcast Programme. This programme was spearheaded by their English teacher, Ms Suzanne Gubbins.
In preparation for their official launch, Ms Gubbins upskilled the students on the essential tasks of research, interview technique, cutting, editing and the technology necessary to produce a successful podcast. This has created an incredible outlet for the students to express their passion for sport, current affairs and journalism.
There are several podcasts produced to date, with a very impressive guest line up. Soccer legend Niall Quinn, the hurling greats Graeme Mulcahy, Ritchie McCarthy, Seamus Harnedy, Brick Power, Ritchie Power and Seamus Hickey, rugby stars Tom Ahern and Mike Ross, Today FM DJ, Dave Moore and top immunologist, Professor Luke O’Neill.
In the many conversations with her students, Ms. Gubbins remarked, “This exemplary group of students have learned a multitude of skills, both inside and away from the classroom. They are bright and eager to learn and ultimately have enjoyed being in the company of the illustrious guests they have interviewed so far”.
Behind the scenes, Ms Gubbins meets the group regularly on Microsoft Teams to plan out the guests, talk about what needs editing, and brainstorm questions and ideas for upcoming episodes. The boys share the interview with the guest in which they have a particular interest and devote long hours in further research.
“Between the researchers, editors, and interviewers, I think we have a few future journalists and broadcasters in the making,” Ms Gubbins said.
They have paved the way for the future Transition Year students and already expressions of interest are coming from our current Third Year students. You can find the Colman’s Podcast – which has been features on the sports pages of The Avondhu in recent times - on Spotify or Apple podcasts or on their website: https://www. colmanspodcast.com/