In this edition of the SHSS podcast, Sophie Bell, a 6th year student and member of the Irish National Debating Team, shares her journey into debating.

Sophie describes her progression from school competitions to participating in the prestigious World Schools Debating Championship, including her experiences in Panama and upcoming competition in Nairobi. She details the differences in debating styles, the training schedule, the makeup of her team, and the influence of her coaches. Sophie offers insights into the personal benefits of debating, such as increased self-confidence and better communication skills, and provides advice for those interested in starting debates.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the SHSS Podcast

00:27 Sophie's Journey into Debating

01:22 Debating Styles and Competitions02:00 Experiences in Panama

05:00 Team Dynamics and Training

07:36 Future Competitions and Advice

08:59 Personal Growth through Debating

Interviewers: Emily Bell and Lily Boddington, TY students

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

Recording Date: 21/01/2026

SHSS Podcast: The BT Young Scientist Experience

Transition Year hosts Andrea Whelton and Sadhbh Coomey sit down with students Emily Bell and Lily Boddington to discuss their recent competition entry at the BT Young Scientist Exhibition in Dublin.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🧠 The Science of Memory: The students explain their project, which investigated the connection between scent and memory retention.

• 🔬 Trip to Dublin: From the lively atmosphere of 550 student groups to the "swag" collection of free pens and socks, Emily and Lily share what the exhibition floor was really like.

• 💡 Advice for Future Scientists: The team offers encouragement to current third years, urging them to "just go for it" and enter the competition next year.

Hosts: Andrea Whelton & Sadhbh Coomey

Guests: Emily Bell & Lily Boddington

Recording Date: 15/01/2026

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

In this episode of the SHSS Podcast, hosts Rose and Liadain sit down with veteran photojournalist and filmmaker Stephen Bean to explore a life lived through the lens.

From a childhood spent catching snakes in the jungles of Malawi to covering wars of independence at age 19, Stephen shares the stories behind his most profound projects and his transition from high-end fashion photography to social documentary work. He discusses the harsh realities of Jesuit boarding schools, the evolution of media in Ireland, and his unique perspective on why studying art is the most vital step for any aspiring photographer.

Interviewers: Rose O Donoghue and Liadain O Connell

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

Recording Date: 06/01/2026

Business Information Student sits down with Rosemarie Sexton and discusses how self-awareness and understanding various educational pathways led her to choose the Applied Leaving Certificate (LCA) programme and subsequently a PLC course, which prepared her for university. Alana emphasises the importance of personalised educational pathways and shares advice for students choosing their senior cycle options.

Recording Date: 05/12/2025

Host: Rosmarie Sexton

Guest: Alannah Sexton

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSSEquipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.Post processing by Geraldine Hennessy, Flux Learning Ltd.

Tune in to a special edition of the SHSS Podcast featuring stars from this year's musical: Beauty and the Beast. Kate Burton played the role of the Beast and Rihanna played Gaston. The students chat about the show and their experience on stage.

Host: Joanne O' Brien, TY

Guests: Kate Burtont and Rihanna Mtetwa, 6th year Students

Recording Date: 15/12/2025

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSSEquipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.Post processing by Patrick Kiely, Flux Learning Ltd.

In this episode of the SHSS podcast, TY Students Rose O' Donoghue and Ellen Harte interview teacher and SHSS podcast co-ordinator Caragh Bell and Patrick Kiely, founder of Flux Learning. Caragh and Patrick discuss their personal journeys, experiences, and the impact of lifelong learning.

Patrick shares insights into his career as an instructional designer, his love for sci-fi, football, and the founding of Flux Learning. Ms. Bell talks about her passion for teaching, the origins of the SHSS podcast during COVID-19, and the benefits of podcasting for student development. They also touch upon their favourite school memories, the skills students develop through podcasting, and the future of learning technology.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with anecdotes, wisdom, and a shared love for education.

Interviewers: Rose O'Donoghue and Ellen Harte

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the SHSS Podcast

00:26 Meet Patrick Kiely: Founder of Flux Learning

01:33 Ms. Bell's Journey and the SHSS Podcast Origins

02:26 School Memories and Influences

05:01 Post-School Paths and Career Choices

09:36 The Birth and Impact of Flux Learning

11:26 The SHSS Podcast: Inspiration and Growth

13:39 Podcasting Skills and Student Development

16:57 Technical Process: From Recording to Publishing

19:46 Digital Skills and Media Literacy

24:43 Reflections and Favorite Experiences

26:03 Gerald's Podcast and Historical Reflections

27:29 Educational Value of Podcasting for Students

28:54 Digital Literacy and Classroom Integration

30:43 The Future of Learning Technology

31:19 AI's Impact on Education and Society

37:27 Podcasting Plans and Aspirations

39:37 Dream Guests and Personal Insights

43:23 Surprising Personal Facts

45:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode features Rehma who moved from Pakistan to Ireland in 2024 . She talks about her culture, her religion and her experience of school in Ireland.

Recording Date: 16/10/2025

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell

Interviewers: Roisin Bennett and Roisin Cook

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

In this episode, Rosemarie Sexton interviews past pupil Emma Scully, a freelance full-time artist. Emma discusses her career journey, the art world and the wide range of careers available in the arts. This is a must listen interview for those interested in pursuing a career in art.

Recoding Date: 07/10/2025

Sound Engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell

Interviewer: Rosemarie Sexton

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

In this episode,  Ellie, Aoife and Mia interview Gerald Butler, a second-generation light house keeper who spent 21 years in the Irish Lights service witnessing firsthand the beauty and brutality of the sea. He shares unbelievable stories from his years of service, including surviving the tragic 1979 Fastnet race and his view on the automation that ended his career.

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell.

SHSSEquipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd.

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning Ltd.

As we launch into a new school year and Season 7 of the SHSS podcast, we start with a chat with last year's transition year students.

In this discussion, Maya McMahon chats to TY student's Elva McAuley, Lena Aerts and Chloe Galwey. They share their experiences during transition year, highlighting the social benefits, memorable activities, and personal growth they encountered. They discuss how the year allowed them to explore new interests, build friendships, and gain confidence, while also providing advice for future students entering transition year.

Sound engineer and Podcast Co-ordinator: Caragh Bell, SHSS

Equipment supplied by Flux Learning Ltd

Post processing by Darragh Dineen, Flux Learning

Chapters

00:00 The Benefits of Transition Year

02:42 Memorable Experiences and Activities

05:48 Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

08:17 Advice for Incoming Transition Year Students