Essex school to podcast university style lectures to students

On Tuesday 4 December, Gable Hall School will see a change to the traditional school classroom method of teaching. On that day, pilot lectures will take place in specially created tiered seating to see how students and teachers will cope with this more adult style of learning. Five different teachers will deliver lectures to a range of students, on subjects including history, science, drama and maths.

The scheme is the brainchild of students and staff working together with artists from Creative Partnerships. Students have been involved in the development of the lecture/podcast scheme from its inception through to its launch next week.

Christie Harman, one of the students involved in the process, spoke of the advantages: ‘Teachers will not need to teach the same material twice to different classes, which I’m sure they will love. Also, the fact that the lectures are being videoed, makes it easier to catch up on work if missed.’

Ceri Evans, Science Teacher at Gable Hall said: “The students will be exposed to a more concentrated, better prepared resource which will have a consistency about it which should be high across the board. And it prepares them for further education.”

He added: “It doesn’t work for every lesson but it is one learning style that can be effective with the correct group.”
Creative Partnerships, Thames Gateway’s Creative Director Sue Lawther sees huge potential benefits in this model of teaching: 'Providing key curriculum information in this high-tech style will free up teachers' and students' time to explore the subject areas in a more creative and engaging way. It will also provide students with the opportunity to re-visit lectures to refresh their memories and help with revision.

This pilot is the result of a long term partnership between Gable Hall School and Creative Partnerships, which has supported students to make proposals for change to the Senior Management Team at the school.'