A podcast created by students from Workington Academy is celebrating national recognition.
Behind the Algorithm, by Charlie Irving, of year 9 and year eight pupils Noah Williamson and Olly Williams, was highly commended at the Shine School Media Awards 2026.
Charlie, Noah and Olly are part of Workington Academy Radio.
Behind the Algorithm, a student-led investigation into social media, mental health and the debate around young people’s access to online platforms was shortlisted for an award.
The students received a highly commended award for their entry, after being nominated alongside schools from across the country.
The podcast has been a significant piece of work over the past year. Charlie, Noah and Olly researched key issues, planned episodes, developed interview questions, spoke to a range of guests, recorded discussions, edited audio and shaped the final podcast series.
Through Behind the Algorithm, the students explored some complex and important questions affecting young people today.
They considered different viewpoints, listened carefully to expert insight and used their developing media skills to produce a mature and thoughtful investigation.
Charlie, Noah and Olly spoke to local and national voices, including Whitehaven & Workington MP Josh MacAlister, Ade Dakers, Will Gardner OBE and Matthew Haywood, giving them the chance to explore the topic from different perspectives and ask questions directly to people with real insight and experience.
You can hear their interview with Mr MacAlister, which took place earlier this year, before the social media ban for under-16s.
Their success at the Shine School Media Awards marks an important milestone for Workington Academy Radio, which has grown significantly over recent years and now gives students regular opportunities to produce radio shows, podcasts, interviews and media content linked to issues that matter to them and their wider community.
Andrew Williamson, computer science and digital media teacher at Workington Academy, won the Most Inspirational Teacher award.
Nominated by students, the award recognised Mr Williamson’s work in developing Workington Academy Radio and supporting young people to build confidence, creativity, communication skills and ambition through media.
Mr Williamson said: “I am incredibly proud of Charlie, Noah and Olly. This podcast has been a huge piece of work and they have put so much thought, effort and creativity into it.
“They have asked difficult questions, listened to different views and produced something really mature and meaningful.
“Seeing their work recognised on a national stage was a really proud teacher moment. Workington Academy Radio only works because of the students who put their time, energy and ideas into it. The boys absolutely smashed it.”
Workington Academy would like to thank the Shine School Media Awards for hosting the event and for giving young people a platform to have their work celebrated nationally.
You can listen to Behind the Algorithm on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and through the Workington Academy website at https://www.workingtonacademy.org/category/wa_radio/behind-the-algorithm/
