The podcast, hailed as ‘groundbreaking’ by BBC London journalist Aaron Paul, features extracts followed by discussions with the boys on topics such as what they have learned, online influence, and growing up safely. Parents applauded the boys for their honesty and confidence during a launch event attended by 100 guests at the Camden school.
The series provides a platform for the 15-year-old pupils to speak openly about issues including success, social media influence, education, pressure, masculinity, and the impact of Covid. The pupils developed themes and gained production and editing skills through workshops and work experience at Middlesex University’s MDX Studios, supported by Arts and Creative Industries staff and students, and the Outreach Team.
“"We had creative freedom, and learned how to create a podcast, recording ourselves and using equipment. We discussed many things from Covid to relationships."
“"It was a positive experience. I got an insight into other people’s views and could share my own perspective."
The podcast includes discussions among the boys, interviews with teachers, education leader Alex Blower of Boys’ Impact, music producer Jay Weathers, and Middlesex alumni Jeff Adolfo and Jely Kikamba, who is now a youth worker in Islington.
“"I'm so proud of the boys and this work by Middlesex University and the school. It was enlightening to see these kids trying to help themselves and others. This podcast is a great resource that can be used and replicated throughout the UK."
The podcast aims to be shared with other schools in North London and beyond to promote workshops and discussions, with plans to involve girls in coeducational settings.
Dr Helen Bendon, Deputy Dean for Education for the Faculty of Arts and Creative Industries at Middlesex University, highlighted the university's strong ties with North London schools, involving students in projects that enhance their skills and benefit communities. She stated, “We have worked with William Ellis on projects examining social media influence and misogyny. The latest project was different in giving boys their own voice to explore these issues. We would like teachers, university outreach teams, anyone working with boys to use the podcast as a resource, and as a prompt to have further conversations with boys and girls.”
William Ellis Headteacher Izzy Jones commented, “We gave the boys creative freedom and it was an opportunity to create a scalable resource to be used in other contexts. Listening to boys provides a strengths-based counterpoint to the assumptions about them being a problem in society.”
Third-year BA Film students Daniela Machado and Haziqh Bin Jalaludeen assisted the pupils during their work experience. Daniela noted, “The boys were excited to use the equipment. I explained how to use the boom and sound recorder, and it helped my own skills.” Haziqh, who interviewed the boys and filmed the project, added, “I learned people skills and it was like working on a documentary, trying to capture the project on film.”
Parent Emma Afia, from Kentish Town, shared that her son Kobi, who used to be shy, has gained confidence from the experience. Parent Richard Paul Robinson expressed his admiration for the pupils' achievements, calling the podcast and its team 'phenomenal' and stating it 'needs to be heard more widely'.
The project received primary funding from the William Ellis Trust, an independent charity, with additional support from The Hadley Trust and The Hampstead Wells and Campden Trust.
