Young Poets Shine at Keep Learning Trust Poetry Day
Young poetry enthusiasts from across the five The Keep Learning Trust primary schools took centre stage during the second annual cross-Trust poetry recital event - a celebration of the power of poetry that brought together pupils, parents, and staff for a fantastic event.
Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from Elton Primary, Greenmount Primary, Old Hall Primary, Radcliffe Primary and Park View Primary were invited to select, learn and recite an existing poem or write and recite their own, entirely in their own time. After performing for their classmates in their own schools, one representative per class was chosen to go forward to the Trust Recital held at Old Hall Primary School.
Parents and carers packed into the hall from 1.30pm to cheer on the young performers. Certificates and poetry anthologies were presented to every participant by Trust CEO David Stephens as a fitting tribute to the effort each child had put in.
In a particularly touching moment, one pupil who was recovering from an operation and unable to attend in person had recorded his performance in advance, and his video was played during the recital to the delight of the audience.
David Stephens, CEO of The Keep Learning Trust, said: "It was a genuinely wonderful afternoon. Watching these children stand up and perform a poem they had chosen themselves, with such poise and passion, was a real reminder of what brilliant young people we have across our schools.
“Events like this are about so much more than poetry; they are about building confidence, fostering a love of language, and celebrating what our children can achieve when they are given the opportunity."
The ten pupils who performed at the recital were: Raeya W and Jack-James A (Elton Primary School); Molly D and Ivy H (Greenmount Primary); Daisy A and Amber J (Old Hall Primary); George D, Noemi S, Jarvis W and Emi S (Park View Primary) and Charlie-Anne T and Caleb D (Radcliffe Primary School).
Nicola Carlisle, Headteacher at Old Hall Primary and organiser of the event, added: "It was a privilege to host the Trust Poetry Recital at Old Hall and to welcome so many families through our doors. Every single child who performed should be incredibly proud of themselves - from those who performed in front of their classmates, to those who took to the stage at the recital. It was an incredibly special day and we are already looking forward to next year!”
The event forms part of The Keep Learning Trust's wider commitment to enriching the curriculum and providing pupils with experiences that go beyond the classroom.
