LIT Radio, a podcast developed by Sixth Form pupils at The Leys School to provide academic enrichment when Covid-19 regulations make it difficult to have visiting lecturers and discussion groups in school, has just been launched.
The first episode went out on Friday 13th November. It is being released on Apple Podcasts, making it possible for people to listen in from all over the world.
Episodes will be released weekly initially, and then fortnightly in the New Year when the pupils will have to manage their growing workload.
The ambitious project began when some Lower Sixth pupils were wondering how they could engage with them school’s Academic Enrichment programme. In pre-Covid times, Sixth Form pupils organised LIT (Leys Innovation Talks) lectures with guest speakers, and the Headmasters’ Society and Academic Society for younger pupils would be filled with dynamic debates. The pupils approached Ms Ali Annett, Head of Academic Enrichment, with the idea of setting up a podcast, made by and for pupils.
The production team is based in the Vision Studio, where they have new microphones and a sound desk. Music teacher Scott Morrison helped them to identify some key pieces of recording equipment they would need. The pupils are using their new platform to share ideas, talk with guest speakers via Zoom, and engage pupils in discussions of important issues that affect them.
Ali Annett commented: “I have been very impressed with their commitment to the radio and they already have the next few episodes in the pipeline.”
The first episode features guest speaker Captain Rod Boswell who gives insights into the Skirmish at Top Malo House in the Falklands War; health advice from Lead Nurse, Skyler Moulder; a prefect’s perspective on changes to school life this year; and some lively pupil debates. Ms Anna Garrett, Head of English, gives a reading and analysis of Louise Gluck’s poem Snowdrops and a pupil singer-song writer, Amira A, shares a moving song which she wrote during lockdown.