i-Pod learning puts 'cool' into 'school'

Published on 3rd May 2007 in News

A former Goole student is using the Kaiser Chiefs and other teenage-friendly techniques to give GCSE revision more 'street cred'.

Barrie McDermid, who was a pupil at Goole Grammar School in the 1980s, has launched a website which includes downloadable podcasts on aspects of English language and literature.

There are tips on poetry readings and writing styles and the latest addition is a version of the Kaiser Chief's 'I Predict A Riot', rewritten to tell the story of The Tempest.

Mr McDermid, who left Goole in 1990 and is now a teacher in County Durham, said: "It came about because I teach at the moment and I've got used to kids walking around listening to iPods and things.

"I thought: 'If you can't beat 'em, join 'em'.

"They can listen to lessons as they walk round and retain some sort of credibility at the same time."

The site, which also includes a forum for students and teachers, has had more than 11,000 hits in the first two months that it has been running.

"It's been well-received and the kids are using it," said Mr McDermid.

"When I was at school, all we had were all notes to read through but it doesn't have to be that dull."

All the podcasts are free to download and the site's address is www.podcastrevision.co.uk