Normally, when you turn up at a school to do a day's podcasting, you do a show about what's going on in school, maybe interview the headteacher and occasionally do some poetry reading or play reading and the like. All good laudable stuff that kids love doing and gives them an audience for their speaking and listening curriculum.
When I turned up at Green Park Primary last week I was expecting more of the same. However, They had a "celebrity" in town in the shape of David Graham. I don't think David would classify himself as a celebrity, but as a contestant on Pop Idol and as a backing singer to the likes of Ronan Keating, he certainly has enough of the stardust on him to make him a big hit with children.
His "Natural High Tour" is a schools presentation for years 5 to 8 based on a message to focus on positive role models and avoiding following the sheep into trying drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Judging by the slick performance and the reaction of the Green Park children, the show is definitely a hit.
Working with Year 6, we taped a bit of the show, interviewed David and recorded some reaction from the children who saw the show. Using Audacity we edited the various recordings into a podcast which is now available for download.
The school use Solidcasts to host their podcast, which is a free hosting service (up to 100mb).
For more information about booking the "Natural High Schools Tour", David can be contacted at: [email protected]
Podcasting day: special offer
If you would like me to introduce podcasting to your school: a whole day working with children and followed up by an extended staff meeting to teach the teachers costs only £400. Alternatively, book a half-day INSET session - a really fun and creative way to spend an INSET day. Contact: [email protected] for details.