It is certainly a hectic time for schools as administrators, teachers, and students alike adjust to learning from home after most schools have closed this week. Even in the midst of all the Coronavirus upheaval, it is still important to make sure that young people are given a voice to share their thoughts and opinions.

We were happy to see Woodheys Primary doing just that by hosting a podcast with their Communications Team on the last day of school to get their thoughts on the school closures and what’s been going on in the world over the last few weeks.

The students on the team had some really insightful things to share about their experience of the situation, and their thoughts seem to reflect the mixed feelings that many people are experiencing in this moment. They all agree that it’s a very strange situation, and that it’s hard to imagine what it’s going to be like being away from school. One student expressed disappointment at being separated from her school community:

“I quite like seeing all my school friends every day, and I didn’t really want to stop seeing them, so it’s quite sad.”

Another, while disappointed, also understood why the decision had been made:

“It was necessary because they did it to make us safe.”

The Woodheys students discussed a variety of issues in the podcast, both inside and outside their school community. It is fascinating to hear what is on the minds of young people in this turbulent time, and discussions included everything from who counts as a ‘key worker’, to the question of whether exams will be rescheduled, to why people are buying so much toilet roll.

Things have been changing very rapidly in the news, and it can be a confusing and distressing time for people of all ages. Now more than ever, it is important to make sure that children can make their voices heard and express their thoughts about the situation, and so we’re thrilled to see Woodheys Primary giving their students that chance!

The podcast is a great listen, and we’d highly recommend checking it out. It’s inspiring to listen to the thoughts of young people on such important world news, and they certainly have some wisdom to share with us. When it feels like the uncertainty of this time will go on forever, it’s important to remember the words of one Woodheys student:

“It won’t take forever for it to stop. It’ll stop eventually.”

Thank you to the Communications Team at Woodheys Primary for sharing this great podcast! The link to listen to the podcast is below.