Poetry / News
Poetry initiative launched to tackle young people’s low writing rates
A new poetry initiative aims to inspire young writers in Bristol.
The Young Bristol Poets programme was launched on National Writing Day by the National Literacy Trust, a charity which focuses on increasing literacy skills
The programme has been developed in partnership with Bristol City Council using the National Literacy Trust’s evidence-based three-pillar approach to improving writing engagement: inspiring writing through memorable experiences, modelling real writing with professional writers, and providing a real audience and purpose for writing.
The initiative addresses the current level of engagement among young people with writing, which research from the National Literacy Trust suggests is very low.
According to their research, in the South West, just under three in ten children and young people aged eight to 18 enjoy writing in their free time, while just one in ten write daily in their free time.
Nine primary schools across Bristol will have special in-person assemblies with one of a few involved poets, and year 5 classes will visit local cultural venues to take part in workshops.
The programme will conclude with a celebratory poetry festival and the chance for young people’s poetry to be included in a citywide anthology of published writing.
Involved poets include Sukina Noor, current Bristol city poet, and Bristol-based Deanna Rodger.
Dinny Smith, assistant director for Education at the National Literacy Trust said: “Our Young Bristol Poets programme will create excitement about poetry across the city and boost writing engagement by making writing feel relevant, meaningful and purposeful to local children.
“We’ll do this through memorable experiences at local cultural venues, working with inspirational professional writers, and providing pupils with a real audience and purpose for their writing.
“As well as bringing benefits for their academic success, creativity and wellbeing, we know that writing for pleasure can also empower children with confidence in their own voice, giving them the tools to express themselves and to challenge and engage with the world around them.”
Christine Townsend, chair of Bristol City Council’s children & young people committee, added: “Writing is a vital skill that helps children express themselves, build confidence and succeed at school and beyond.
“Programmes like Young Bristol Poets bring writing to life by giving young people the chance to work with professional poets and share their voices in meaningful ways.
“We want every child in Bristol to feel inspired and confident to write, whatever their background.”
The nine primary schools taking part in the initiative are Cotham Gardens, St Nicholas of Tolentine, Ashley Down, Oasis Academy Long Cross, Chester Park, Christ Church, St Bernadette, Fonthill and Whitehall.
Main photo: National Literacy Trust
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