Rubbish work at Weetwood Primary School

They say to beware the Ides of March but before Shakespeare's doomladen warning to Julius Caesar 15^th March was known for celebrating the first full moon of the year that falls in the middle of the month with drinking, picnics and festivities.

 

We partook of no drink, and the late snowfall outside certainly did not encourage outdoor feasting, but we did celebrate the poetry written by class 5 based on their trip to a rubbish recycling plant.  The class performed their original work in front of many of their parents, shyly at first and then with increasing aplomb. Indeed, there was a clamour to read all their verses after each child had read a selected verse. Joanne Parker, class teacher, was both delighted and stunned by the quality of the writing and the extraordinary self-confidence that some of her class unexpectedly showed. 

 

James Nash and Joanne Parker

“Dad, you've just got to come” was a common theme amongst the many parents waiting to be admitted to a tightly-packed class assembly with standing room only.  They agreed that their children had been excited about the workshops with James Nash, local writer and poet - and proud to show their writing and their performances to their families. One carer said “She struggled with reading before this but has absolutely grown in confidence” since her work on this topic. Another commented on the thought given to the vocabulary and metaphors her child had used, followig the rubbish to its end as ash and energy.

 

The fear of a blank page had been banished by inspiration, drafting, editing and creation of quality pieces of writing they were keen to share. New vocabulary was translated into powerful prose poems as we heard of jostling and ominous journeys by abandoned food and clothing tossed and tumbled into the dark bucket of doom.  Delivered to the jaws of  a menacing dragon and into the licking flames of his empty stomach.  Household goods assassinated by a sea of terror. Menacing and scavenging machines whose claws show no mercy.  Heated like a barbecue. Escape?  Hopeless! 

 

It was clear that not only had the youngsters really taken the concept of recycling to heart but that the message was most powerful through the medium of poetry. Reduce, reuse and recycle was never so eloquently expressed or understood.  “Three weeks ago I was an amazing hat but now ...”

 

Would Mrs Parker, class teacher, like to recycle this idea and do it again?  Absolutely!

 

Thanks are given to Leeds City Council's Inner North West area management committee for funding this work once again.