Holy Cross High in Hamilton Wins Prestigious Award for Reading Cafe Podcast
Pupils at Holy Cross High in Hamilton have garnered national attention by clinching a top podcasting award for their Reading Cafe series. Over the past three years, senior students at the school have been producing engaging episodes featuring author interviews, book discussions, and even live audience events, all with the goal of sparking conversations about reading among their peers and community.
The students recently emerged victorious in the “best children and young adult” category at the Independent Podcast Awards in London, triumphing over professional competitors in a field of more than 450 entries. Notably, the podcast has featured interviews with esteemed authors such as Robin Stevens, Darren Shan, and Mark Millar, among others. They have also collaborated with Primary Seven students from feeder schools, facilitating discussions with authors like Aisha Bushby and Elle McNicoll.
English teacher Peter Kelly, along with colleagues Fiona McLachlan and Amanda McMullin, played a pivotal role in creating and nurturing the podcast. Kelly expressed immense pride in the accomplishment, highlighting the collaborative effort of both students and staff. He emphasised the podcast’s commitment to offering enriching experiences for young audiences while providing compelling content for their growing listener base.
The success of Holy Cross High’s podcast has not gone unnoticed, with Uddingston & Bellshill representative Stephanie Callaghan commending the initiative in a Scottish Parliament motion. The podcast has also received support from the Scottish Book Trust and has been featured in various educational publications.
Appreciating the dedication and innovation behind the podcast, Councillor Lynsey Hamilton, chair of the South Lanarkshire education committee, visited the school to celebrate the students’ remarkable achievement. She commended the team for their hard work and recognised the valuable skills the students are developing in the dynamic podcasting industry.
The recognition of Holy Cross High’s podcast comes at a time when podcasting is experiencing a surge in popularity, with initiatives like the Lending Voices project by South Lanarkshire Libraries also receiving accolades for fostering community engagement through podcasting. The school’s commitment to cultivating a love for reading and fostering creative expression through podcasting serves as a testament to the power of education in nurturing talent and inspiring young minds.