Snowy Mountains Grammar School’s (SMGS) Year 9/10 Digital Media class is thrilled to announce the launch of their new podcast, “Welcome Back—Conversations with our Alumni.” This project offers students hands-on experience in storytelling, podcast production, and digital media while reconnecting with alumni.

The podcast is a shining example of SMGS’s commitment to exploring, evaluating, and embracing innovative practices that develop the capacity of all learners to thrive in a technological and global society. The first episode launched a few weeks ago, features an engaging interview with Jo Windeatt, a 2007 graduate and 2024 Foundation Day keynote speaker. Hosted by Year 9 students Kai and Abbie, the episode explores Jo’s journey from school captain to her diverse career, including roles in ski and snowboard instruction, public relations, and policing.

To enrich the learning experience, SMGS has engaged industry specialists like Lucas Wilkinson, a professional content creator and sound engineer, to mentor students. In Term 2, Lucas visited the Digital Media class to share his expertise and provide valuable feedback. “Lucas was the perfect mentor to help the team understand the power of audio in podcasting,” said Mr Scott Frize, Head of Faculty—Visual Arts and Design. The students practised segments of their podcast during his visit, and Lucas’s guidance helped them refine their work, preparing them to record and launch their first episode.

 Mr Scott Frize, Head of Faculty—Visual Arts and Design and the driving force behind this project, shared his enthusiasm: “It is a privilege and joy to teach and learn real-world applications alongside these fantastic students. Watching them grow and develop their skills through this podcasting experience has been incredibly rewarding.”

Abbie reflected on her first experience of participating in a recorded podcast, saying, “Stepping into the world of podcasting was scary and nerve-racking at first, but with the help of classmates and Mr Frize, it ended in smiles, laughs, and skills to call upon in the years to come.”

 We invite the SMGS community to listen to ‘Welcome Back.’ This podcast not only teaches students the technical aspects of digital media but also hones their communication and storytelling skills, which are invaluable in any future pursuit. The podcast is available on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. Join us on this exciting journey by listening to the first episode HERE.