Poet James Nash at Weetwood Primary

Sally Bavage writes: 

Africa and the Slave Trade

Year 5 study the history, geography and culture of Africa during the summer term and this coincided with the visits by our commissioned poet James Nash, whose work at Weetwood primary school had been delayed this year by Covid.

What a strong topic to engage with the creative writing of poetry led by a master of his art! The rich imagery, the sounds and smells, the enjoyment of village life, the sense of menace lurking in the centuries when slave trading took place. Year 5 absolutely engrossed themselves in their work and responded by writing so many heartfelt poems they were bursting with pride to read out in a sharing assembly with parents and other teachers present.

The youngsters draft and edit their work, share with friends and other peers, then finally to a whole class assembly. An important part of this poetry project, funded by local councillors, is learning how to read out and present your work to an audience. It's a lifeskill that cannot be taught but which has so much value in future years.

James Nash with Joanne Parker

Elephants bathing in the river, the smell of cooking rice, the sound of laughing children at play, sitting on the beach watching the waves. Village life goes steadily on. But no. A smell of fires not from cooking pots, a feeling of foreboding, a youngster traumatised by the loss of his family, a fear for the future of the country, seeing the ghosts of those taken. And expressed in vocabulary that was so mature and empathetic, some using the rhythm of their lines to create a n unnerving drumbeat.

“My long-gone baby brother, murdered at five months old”

“Even though his soft skin will never touch my mother's hand again.”

I'm too scared to go to sleep”

My family, only alive and well in my mind.”

“I see them coming, coming, coming”

I dream, I dream, I dream of a world with no war. When tribes can trade in peace”

”I dream of my father - all I have left of him is a mask”

“Sunlight over a sleeping village”

“Huddling under a shared blanket”

“Warm sand glitters in the ocean-blue air”

“Friends, dead or taken, are alive in our hearts”

“A boat of misery, full of traders”

I have to pinch myself that these lines have been written and are being read out by youngsters who are nine or ten years old. And they listen so attentively to each other's work, a skill many adults have yet to acquire!

As one mum said, “My son has improved his vocabulary so much with this work, and his confidence in himself and his ability has just soared.” A dad also commented, “This is a brilliant introduction to poetry, a way of expressing yourself that goes far beyond the curriculum and brings this type of writing to real life.”

Joanne Parker, class teacher, explained that this project was always such a fantastic starting point for creative writing. Even reluctant writers were inspired as their self-esteem goes through the roof. And as for the kudos of working with a Proper Published Poet ...”

Once again, many thanks to the councillors of the Inner North West community committee who graciously funded this work.