Celebrating creativity and connection through words…
Each year, our English Department looks forward to National Poetry Day with great enthusiasm – a chance to celebrate creativity, share diverse voices and inspire a love of language among students and staff alike. The theme for 2024 is ‘Counting’ – a concept that resonates deeply in poetry. Whether it’s counting syllables in a haiku, the rhythm of a sonnet, or the broader, metaphorical counting of life’s moments, ‘Counting’ invites us to reflect on how numbers can go beyond data, representing emotions, memories and connections.
During lunchtime, students and staff gathered in the Learning Resource Centre to read Fibonacci poetry, Imtiaz Dharker’s poem, ‘How to Cut a Pomegranate,’ and poetry by this year’s Young Poet Award winner, Anna Gilmore. A group of Year 7 students wrote their own poem inspired by Dean Martin’s ‘Ratios,’ their favourite line being the ending: “Remember, you are 100% awesome sauce!”
Poetry can be a powerful tool for connection, enabling students – including those with SEN – to convey their emotions and experiences in a format that feels safe, fun and inviting. It promotes empathy by exposing students to diverse perspectives, helping them connect with others on a deeper level. Poetry also cultivates critical thinking skills, encouraging students to analyse themes, structures and language, deepening their appreciation for literature.
Head of English, Ms Forde, commented:
“This year’s theme, ‘Counting,’ has sparked such creativity among our students, prompting them to explore how numbers and patterns shape not just our world but also our relationships and inner selves. It’s a brilliant reminder that poetry is everywhere, even in the everyday moments we might take for granted!”
To explore more on this year’s theme and discover a wealth of resources, poetry collections and inspiration, visit nationalpoetryday.co.uk. Let’s celebrate poetry all year round!