Poetry in Motion: Pool Academy Students Compete in National Poetry Day Event

Students at Pool Academy part of Athena Learning Trust,  took centre stage this month, showcasing their creativity as part of the school’s celebration of National Poetry Day on 3rd October. The event, organised by the school, saw students of all year groups participating in a poetry competition centred on this year’s theme of ‘counting.’

National Poetry Day Celebration

National Poetry Day, established by the Forward Arts Foundation in 1994, is celebrated annually on the first Thursday in October. The day encourages people across the UK to engage with poetry in creative and meaningful ways. This year’s theme, ‘counting,’ invited Pool Academy students to explore a range of ideas, from counting stars to counting on each other.

Students submitted their poems to Head of English, Mrs Clark, with prizes awarded to the best entries. All participants received a certificate in recognition of their efforts, and the overall winner was Leon, a Year 9 student, whose poem on the passage of time captivated judges. Leon’s poem will be read aloud at a celebration assembly at the end of the school year.

Promoting Literacy and Creativity

The competition is part of Pool Academy’s broader commitment to fostering literacy skills among its students. In their English curriculum, students explore the evolution of storytelling from classical times to the present, gaining a deep understanding of poetry, drama, and prose.

The event also aligns with findings from the National Literacy Trust’s 2023 survey, which revealed that 26.7% of children and young people in the UK read poetry in their free time at least once a month. The survey included over 60,000 respondents aged 8 to 18 and highlighted the enduring appeal of poetry among young people.

Principal’s Comments

Nick Ward, Principal at Pool Academy, expressed his delight at the students’ participation and praised Leon’s winning entry. “Firstly, I want to say congratulations to Leon on taking first place in what was a tough competition! It was brilliant to celebrate National Poetry Day in this way and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the submissions. I hope the competition helped to inspire some of our budding poets and also encouraged our students to appreciate it as a literary artform,” he said.

Pool Academy’s Core Values

Pool Academy prides itself on its core values of aspiration, belonging, and respect. These principles underpin everything the school does, ensuring high expectations for both student conduct and achievement. Ofsted inspectors have recognised the school’s efforts, noting that pupils feel safe, benefit from strong pastoral support, and enjoy a well-planned curriculum in quiet, calm classrooms.

Important Information for Parents

Applications for secondary school places at Pool Academy are currently open, with the deadline for submissions on 31st October. Parents interested in securing a place for their child can apply now through the appropriate channels.

For more details about Pool Academy and its educational programmes, visit their website.