Pupils win podcast plaudits

11:20am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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A GROUP of Wirral school pupils proved they could be the next generation of budding podcasters and science communicators.

For they managed to sweep the board in a national SciencePod competition.

“They are a delightful group and this is a real reflection of all their hard work throughout the year.”

Ana Roslan

Students from Neston High School beat off opposition from around the country scooping first, second and third prizes, in the Cancer Research UK science podcast competition.

The charity invited 14-16 year old students from across the country to research and record their own short podcasts on a range of topical health issues. Topics included diet and cancer, sunbeds, banning smoking, and vaccinations for cervical cancer. The pupils, all from Year 10, worked together in groups to put together their podcasts as part of their biology course. First prize was awarded to Natalie Jones, Alex Rigby, Matty Burton and Blaithin Settle, and their podcast looking at whether under 18s should be allowed to use sun beds.

Second prize went to James Smith, Ryan McCready and Jonathan Howard who put together a podcast on diet and cancer.

Third prize winners, Blaithin Settle, Hannah Newall and Natalie Young also did a podcast on the use of sun beds by the under 18s. Ana Roslan, head of biology at Neston High School, said: “I am absolutely thrilled they have all done so well.

“They are a delightful group and this is a real reflection of all their hard work throughout the year.”

Competition organiser, Cancer Research UK’s Lara Bennett, said: “We had a large number of applicants from across the country and were very impressed with the high standard of entries.

“The groups from Neston High School were particularly impressive. The podcasts were well-structured and clearly thought out. “They also presented a clear and balanced argument, in particular the first prize group and their debate about the use of sun beds under the age of 18.

“We wanted to give young people the skills to research and debate evidence and think about the impact it will have on their lives and the decisions they take as a result.

“We’re delighted the pupils from Neston High School have won and wish them every success in their future careers.”