A Somerset Council-led podcast competition has been won by Selwood Academy in Frome, after receiving 477 votes from the public.
The academy’s winning entry stood out among 40 schools across the county, all sharing important messages about staying safe and supporting others.
Last term, students across Somerset were learning to keep themselves and others safe by becoming Active Bystanders. An Active Bystander notices when something is wrong and safely steps in or gets help, building confidence and awareness.
Workshops were delivered by Collaborate Digital, commissioned by Somerset Council. The sessions helped young people better understand personal safety, anti-social behaviour and the positive role they can play in looking out for one another.
After learning what it means to be an Active Bystander, students wrote and produced their own podcasts to share safety messages with other young people. A shortlist of 10 entries was opened up to a public vote, with Selwood Academy coming out on top. Listen to the winning podcast here.
Dan Jeffries, Headteacher at Selwood Academy, said:
I am incredibly proud to see our pupils undertake such forthright acts of courageous advocacy. As a school community, our pupils constantly work to make the world a better place through concerted effort, kindness and always doing our best. The pupils involved have absolutely let their light shine.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, Environment and Climate Change, said:
It has been fantastic to see so many young people across Somerset getting involved in this project and thinking so carefully about how they can help keep themselves and others safe. These podcasts show real creativity, insight and a strong sense of responsibility.
Congratulations to Selwood Academy on their win and thank you to every pupil and school that took part for helping spread such an important message.
Collaborate Digital works with schools, colleges and other settings across the UK to help young people explore social issues through critical thinking, creativity and teamwork.
This project was commissioned by the Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership, which brings organisations together to tackle serious violence by addressing its causes, supporting those at risk and protecting young people.
