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| Photo by Sally Bavage |
Sally
Bavage writes:
Celebrating
the e-book launch of 'Achievement': a brand new poetry collection by
Leeds City Academy in collaboration with writer Rommi Smith
Before
we saw Lulu,
it was lovely to meet and celebrate their 'Achievement' with some of
the young poets who had worked hard with Rommi
Smith and
the head of English, Rebecca
Capstick (pictured),
in after-school workshops to bring together their own book of poems.
As Rommi said, “Poems say a lot in a few words or lines,” and
cover some very inspiring, special or important personal topics.
As
Ms Capstick enthused about the quality of the work - “Absolutely
brilliant, with lot of compliments from other members of staff” -
she recalled the difference that the poetry workshops had made to
some of the young people. “Miss, I need to improve in English”
was a moving comment from a young poet who had shifted her attitude
towards learning after starting this project. She had “noticed a
depth and maturity to the work that was bearing fruit in English
lessons.” One young man “who would reluctantly write a couple of
sentences now writes a page each lesson.”
And
so to Lulu. It is a self-publishing company, and the Leeds City
Academy group from year 9, called appropriately LCA9, have provided
the poetry in a 42-page e-book of their poems called 'Achievement.'
It's already online and available to buy. Rommi
typed all the poems, edited them, compiled the collection, with the
children forming an editorial team and co-editing with me in the
final session of the series, choosing a title and cover of the book.
They
were also introduced by Rommi to a
variety of digital writing resources new to the school.
These
include: Lulu, Tagxedo, as well as new forms (to the school) such as
mesostics and circle poems. A favourite was Tagxedo,
which turned their words into word clouds. Gilson in particular
remembered using that as “Great fun.” He
also said that writing poetry “Gives me a voice, writing things I
don't normally say.” Rivaldo thought the project had been “Really
good, I love writing now, writing poetry for the first time.”
Marcus thought the best bit had “Actually been writing poetry for
the first time.” Sian thought “Writing your thoughts is easier
with poetry,” and “I would love to do it again.” Mirela was
“Proud of my work ; today was a lovely day.” You can see a theme
here. Latisha thought it had been “A good adventure.” As Ms
Capstick said, “They know now they have the ability to write, there
is no stopping them.”
Over
pizzas provided by Leeds City Academy, and the cakes and drinks
brought by Rommi from The
Real Junk Food Project in
Armley where she volunteers (and it was the first
one set
up in the world; now it has spread to Brazil, South Africa, etc), we
enjoyed chatting about the poems in the book before hearing some of
them read out. For the first time. The project this year did not have
enough time to fully develop performance skills, but the young poets
had a go. Despite the nerves and shaking papers, they did well to
address the audience which included the new headteacher Jackie Rose
and new and deputy headteacher Jo Hill, as well as other staff and
members of the LitFest committee.
They
were also given some advice by Azalia Anisko, one of the stars of the
film made in Leeds, 'We
Are Poets,
who had popped in specially to join us. “Keep your writing journey
going; being a writer is a life journey. Just practise and perform to
keep your ideas alive.” Advice Rommi had given her when mentoring
her for the 'slam' poetry competition six local poets went to in
Washington. DC that is, not county Durham. America. (Did they win?
You'll have to watch the film to find out).
Rommi
deftly linked the work the young people read out with references in
literature, the real world and our own experiences, making each young
writer feel their work was valued and valuable. She summed up a
lovely celebration with some anecdotes about her own life, including
having read out her own poem to commemorate the abolition of the
slave trade. In the Houses of Parliament. When she was the Poet in
Residence. Doesn't get much more prestigious than that! What a
delightful role model for these aspiring writers to have, one that
Headingley LitFest feels privileged to have brought to Leeds City
Academy.
Just a couple of snippets of the many
poems inside the book:
Poem
of the Pen
The
ink of education
It’s
the long stem to revising
Latisha
Brazil
Free:
you and me
I
am the right for people
I
am the right for women
I
am the right for freedom
I
am the right for men
I
am the right to love whom you want
I
am the right of race
Anonymous
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