What is your biggest fear? For many people it's public speaking, a task they would do anything to avoid. So, imagine if you were asked to put together a presentation about your personal passions—to be heard by listeners around the world. It may sound like a nightmare, but for year 5 and 6 students at Tamborine Mountain State School (TMSS) it's a much-loved weekly opportunity.
TMSS is home to a group of young hosts who write, record and broadcast a radio show called
Schoolyard Sounds. They're not just learning to speak publicly—they're mastering the art of communication, a skill that will serve them for a lifetime.
'I feel that learning these skills for life is actually quite essential,' says student host Cooper.
'Public speaking is known as the number one human fear. So, it's a really good thing to learn how to overcome that and learn all these different life skills.'
The first of its kind in Australia, the program is making its mark in community broadcasting. Every Wednesday from 2–3pm,
Schoolyard Sounds runs on
Switch Brisbane radio, covering the students' interests and recent experiences.
If you want to know what a young film reviewer thinks about the latest kids' movie like
Inside Out 2, tune in to Hannah's Movie Reviews. Want to have a say on your family holiday?
Around the World in 90 Days with Ollie and Louis shares their firsthand experiences from their adventure through Europe and beyond.
Students also tackle serious and educational topics. In
The Good, Bad and the Ugly, Etta takes a closer look at popular habits—like energy drinks—and reveals why they might be even worse than you thought. Need a history refresher?
Cooper's Time Capsule brings ancient history and key moments from the past to life.
The project began in 2023, after Switch Brisbane founder Matt Boyd floated the idea. Originally founded as a youth station in 1999, Matt was looking to go back to their roots with a youth-led broadcast. It was planned as a show run by high school students, but TMSS Principal Jason Smith was confident his primary students were up to the task.
Mr Smith was no stranger to radio broadcasting, with years of experience under his belt hosting a show in his university days, followed by work for multiple stations around Christchurch, New Zealand. He currently hosts his own show on Switch Brisbane outside of school hours,
Aussie Music Hour with Jace. This extensive history with radio fuels the passion that he passes on to his students.
Starting with humble beginnings broadcasting from his office, in 2024 the school fundraised for a purpose-built recording studio to be used by students and the community.
More than just conquering the common fear of public speaking, they're becoming adept at scripting, articulating their thoughts, storytelling and understanding the technical nuances of radio production.
'These guys are writing and researching their own segments, creating a buzz around their particular strengths and passions. And that takes time,' says Mr Smith.
'With all the other things they do outside school, this now also adds another level of complexity to their little lives. It teaches them independence and a skill of working outside of school to create something that is their own.
Students working on the show put in plenty of hard work, learning valuable skills that extend beyond the studio, but they are also having a great time while doing it.
'It's one of the best things I've ever volunteered for. It taught me a lot of life skills and it's just a lot of fun,' says Louis.
'I love my segment... I get to learn all these fun facts about the movies I watch, and it's so cool being able to share that with everyone,' says Hannah.
'I just love radio so much because you get to do so many fun experiences... And I love how it boosts your confidence, it's a really great experience and it's not very often you get to do it, even in your adulthood,' says Olive.
Listeners can tune in to previous
Schoolyard Sounds episodes on
Switch Brisbane radio or experience the live broadcast each Wednesday from 2.00pm–3.00pm on 1197AM, DAB+, iHeart Radio, TuneIn, Spotify and more.
Switch Brisbane is encouraging other primary and high schools to get on board. There are many timeslots available for students to record and broadcast their own show. If you’d like more information or want to organise a visit to the studio, contact Mr Smith at
principal@tamborinemountainss.eq.edu.au or (07) 5545 5333.