Podcast project challenges misconceptions about college life
Telford College is working with Telford & Wrekin Council on a pilot project designed to challenge popular misconceptions about life at a further education college.
Students from the college’s creative and music department have teamed up with the Telford & Wrekin Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team to shoot a new video podcast.
The students, who volunteered to take part in the project, discuss their individual experiences and the journeys that led to them joining the Telford College community.
Johnathan Abbott, the college’s learner manager for creative and music studies, said: “The idea of the pilot podcast is to challenge misconceptions about college life, compared with school life.
“We have started off by focusing on our creative and music students, but the idea is to roll this out across the whole college.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with the local authority on this exciting initiative – not only to develop the technical skills of our students, but also to give them a platform to share their positive thoughts and opinions.”
Representatives of the local authority’s SEND team, Vicki Abbott and Sophie Ford, visited the studios at Telford College’s Wellington campus to take part in the recording.
They said: “It has been amazing working with creative and music students and staff who helped us create our ‘Misconceptions About College’ podcast.
“The honesty and enthusiasm of the students really shone through, and it was wonderful to hear how much they value their time at college, and the support they receive. We can’t wait to work with them again.”
Telford College hopes to be able to share the podcast with pupils from local secondary schools in their year 10 and 11 assemblies, to give them a first-hand flavour of life on campus.
Andy Turner, faculty director of technical and creative, said: “In my role, I have the privilege of speaking with young people in our local schools and at careers events, and I understand how important it is to provide clear answers to their questions about post-16 options.
“Having a podcast like this, featuring students who were themselves recently in Year 11, offers a relatable insight into college life. I am confident it will inspire and support young people as they build a picture of what further education looks like and plan their next steps.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for children, young people and families, said: “We’re really pleased to have worked with Telford College on this project, helping to challenge misconceptions about college life and supporting young people with the transition from school to further education.
“Telford College is a key education provider in Telford and Wrekin and it’s important that our young people with a special educational need or disability know they will get the support they need when they start a further education course there.”
