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The Soar Beyond Podcast
SATs, Eco Action & Staff Journeys from Cruise Ships to Classrooms (Ep.3)
Welcome back to the Soar Beyond Podcast by Whittle Academy! In this episode, we celebrate our incredible Year 6 pupils for their positivity and resilience during SATs week. We also explore the brilliant feedback from our latest parent questionnaire, including touching comments on community, care and creativity at Whittle.
We then go behind the scenes with Mrs Smith and Mrs Caunter in Meet the Staff, as they share their unique journeys into education – from cruise ships, ski resorts and holiday hotels to making a daily difference in the classroom. Hear how their varied backgrounds shape the warmth and care they bring to school life every day.
Our eco team will take centre stage with a fantastic update on their mission to reduce litter, improve recycling, and introduce healthy snacks, following a special meeting with the Trust CEO!
Plus, it’s Book Talk time with Jack and Nethra! Sharing everything from detective adventures to David Walliams and dog-themed favourites. And we round off with reflections from our school council’s visit to the Young Leaders Conference.
A packed episode full of kindness, ambition and pupil voice – join us as we continue to Soar Beyond! 🚀🌱📚
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6. Outdoor Adventures, Swiftie Questions and Street Safety. The Soar Beyond Podcast (Ep.6)
19:06||Season 1, Ep. 6In this new episode of the Soar Beyond Podcast we explore fresh stories of creativity, leadership and learning across Whittle Academy.We begin in the forest with Aimee Dimock who shares how outdoor learning is helping pupils build life skills and appreciate the world around them. Children reflect on their projects from obstacle courses to sunflowers and even spark making with flint and steel, all while celebrating the joy of working together in nature.In Book Talk, Sahar from Year 6 joins us to review her latest read, Letters from the Lighthouse, and shares her love of World War-themed stories along with her excitement for this year's library quiz.We also introduce a new member of staff as pupils ask their curious questions from favourite destinations to dream karaoke songs to Mrs Bolam-Wilson. Finally, our Junior PCSOs talk about their training, crime scene challenges and how they are helping make the school community safer for everyone.Another inspiring celebration of curiosity, pupil voice and hands-on learning at Whittle. 🎙️🌿📚
5. Dol-y-Moch Discoveries, Polar Bears & Pupil Power! The Soar Beyond Podcast (Ep.5)
20:45||Season 1, Ep. 5In this brand new school year, the Soar Beyond Podcast returns with stories of adventure, learning and leadership.We begin with a warm welcome back from Mrs Harris, who shares Whittle Academy’s four new priorities for the year, the launch of Theme 2025 and the exciting focus on Caring Citizens of the Future.Year 6 pupils take us on a trip down memory lane as they relive their incredible Dol-y-Moch residential... from gorge walking and kayaking to conquering fears and working as a team.In Book Talk, Miriam and Oscar review The Last Bear by Hannah Gold, a powerful and moving story about bravery, friendship and caring for our planet.We also meet new staff, discover their favourite books and hear what makes Whittle such a welcoming community.Finally, our brand new School Council introduces themselves and shares their goals for the year, from fundraising and environmental action to making school even more exciting for everyone.A celebration of new starts, bold adventures and pupil voice at its best. 🌍📚🎙️
4. Year 6 Dreams, Outdoor Adventures & From Law to Leadership! The Soar Beyond Podcast (Ep.4)
15:43||Season 1, Ep. 4In the final episode of this academic year, the Soar Beyond Podcast celebrates aspiration, creativity and the powerful impact of our school community.We kick off with a special focus on Aspiration and Careers Day, where children met inspiring guests from a wide range of professions – from artists to teachers – and began to reflect on their own hopes for the future, whether that’s finding success, making others feel good, or simply being the best version of themselves. Year 6 pupils share their personal ambitions and how they plan to soar beyond.In Outdoor Learning, pupils talk us through their exciting plans to revamp the school’s obstacle course and garden area – from hammocks to spiderwebs – all in the name of fun, fitness, and environmental care.This episode also features a warm and thoughtful conversation with Mrs Gopal and Mrs Harris, who reflect on their very different paths into education. From volunteering to becoming a vital support in our ERP, and from law school to headship, their stories reveal a shared love of nurturing young people through creativity, care, and community.And finally, Book Talk features Jacob, one of Whittle’s most enthusiastic readers, as he shares his love for Dav Pilkey, nighttime reading, and his own original comic series inspired by a very special toy.A heartfelt and hopeful end to the year. Thank you for listening, and see you next year as we continue to Soar Beyond! 🚀📚🌿
2. Future Doctors, Powerful Books & Improving Our School (Ep.2)
26:41||Season 1, Ep. 2Welcome back to Soar Beyond, the Whittle Academy podcast where we celebrate our school community's successes, big and small!In this episode, we hear from a young student with big dreams of becoming a doctor, discussing what it takes to reach that goal. We also welcome a special guest from our school staff, who shares a moving book recommendation that will leave you reaching for the tissues!Our pupil leaders take centre stage as they talk about their recent assembly on improving our school environment – tackling everything from toilet hygiene to library care, with a focus on making positive changes.Finally, we invite more of our school community to get involved! If you’d like to feature on a future episode or have ideas for new segments, let us know.Tune in and be inspired to Soar Beyond! 🚀✨
1. Welcome to our Podcast! Soar Beyond Podcast (Ep.1)
28:22||Season 1, Ep. 1In the first episode of the Soar Beyond Podcast by Whittle Academy, we dive into the meaning of 'soar beyond' and how it resonates with Whittle's ethos. You'll hear from parents as they share insights into the vibrant morning maths routine with Year 4, while our students share their aspirations for the future. Meet Mr Mushing and Miss Youden, who not only talk about their roles but also reveal their hobbies and love for Coventry City FC! Plus, join Jay Govindarajan, parent of Ilakkiya in Year 3, for a special Book Talk segment where he shares his favourite books and offers recommendations for young readers.Show notes: The Answer Is No: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219876684-the-answer-is-noThe Courage to Be Disliked: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43306206-the-courage-to-be-disliked?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_26The Piano at the Station: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/186868764-the-piano-at-the-station?ref=nav_sb_ss_2_16