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Hester Hornbrook Academy’s applied learning students are jumping into the recording studio this term to produce their own children’s literature podcast.

Funded by the 2026 Lynne Kosky Memorial Applied Learning Grant program, the project aims to build student confidence, teamwork, and employability skills while creating free, high-quality literacy resources for families and schools.

Hester Hornbrook Academy’s Head of Digital Learning, Rhys O'Loughlin says the project serves as a pilot model to embed podcasting into their Victorian Pathways Certificate delivery and give space to ongoing student-led creative learning opportunities.

“The goal of all meaningful applied learning projects is to solve a real problem, and the real problem is that a lot of primary school [students] use YouTube videos of books to read if they don’t have that book in their library,” Rhys said.

While online resources provide increased accessibility, Rhys discovered a lack of high-quality podcasts available, specifically those that had the voice and lens of a young person.

“This practical project ties in with their prospective pathways and allows our students to work with others and gain skills they can take to any industry, even if it's not in social media or online,” he said.

Rhys has focused on developing trust and personal and social capabilities in his class of 22 students, with an aim to strengthen their resilience, clear communication and problem-solving skills, empathy and teamwork.

The project design considers that Hester Hornbrook Academy is a Special Assistance School with students on different program structures.

“The grant has allowed us to get the resources and equipment needed to continue this initiative for years to come. Students can work independently or in groups, regardless of their flexible plan.

Now this group of students get opportunities they wouldn’t normally engage with outside of school.

Over time, we envisage having past students come back and be key facilitators for the next cohort.”

For Rhys, it’s all about the students and giving them the tools to thrive beyond school. It’s the growth and re-engagement of students that’s the real jewel in the crown.

“You give them the skills, and watch them go, and then you bring them back and say, let's reflect on our journey – that’s the best part about this work.”

The 2027 grant round will open at the end of Term 2 for applications from all VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate providers.