Four KES Academy Student’s Published in National Poetry Book

King Edward VII Academy is proud to announce the inclusion of poems by four students in The Power of Poetry National Anthology 2023. 

The Power of Poetry is a book of collated poems written and submitted by young adults with talents in creative writing. The book was initiated by Young Writers who run regular national writing competitions for schools, helping to turn imagination and creativity into confidence and writing ability. The result is a greatly improved confidence in the young adults creative writing ability, as well as pride in seeing their writing brought to life in a physical book.

The students included in the anthology are part of the Writing Club, which meets after school every Friday and is led by Teacher of English, Vicky Faulkner. The club was started at the beginning of the academic school year and currently has 12 members. The group meets to talk about different styles of writing and how they affect readers, as well as formatting many rough copies of work. It also gives the opportunity for the budding young writers to share their poetry, fiction, non-fiction and rhetoric.   

Leader of the Poetry Club and Teacher of English at King Edward VII Academy, Vicky Faulkner explains how they got involved in the competition: 

“We saw the ‘Young Writers’ competition, ‘The Power of Poetry’ and we were all in agreeance that we would enter. The poems came in thick and fast, as the entry requirements stipulated that the only criteria needed was, "write a poem about what's important to you", therefore students had the opportunity to express themselves freely. They did not disappoint, hearing their individual voices about issues that mattered to them enabled them to feel listened to. We sat down one Friday afternoon, with a pile of poems and sifted through each one. Each student ultimately chose the poem they liked the best, we then sent them off and waited.” 

A copy of the published book was sent to secondary school and the budding authors were delighted to see their poems in print. The book will take pride of place in the school’s library where the student’s current and future peers can enjoy their poetry.  

Laney T, Year 8 said:  

"WOW! I will never forget this moment." 

Emily S, Year 10 claimed: 

"My parents will be so proud; I cannot believe my work has been published." 

 

Principal of King Edward VII Academy, Sarah Hartshorn said:

"Wow, I am so proud of our students! What an incredible achievement and a testament to their talents and hard work. At King Edward VII Academy, we have a strong commitment to the added value of learning outside the classroom and beyond the academy’s premises, and we aim to facilitate opportunities for our students to follow their passions and excel - well done Vicky for giving them this chance to shine." 

Vicky Faulkner said: 

“It is such a lovely ending to the year, the recognition the students have received for all of their hard work and beautiful imaginations has been rewarded.” 

English Curriculum Leader, Ian Corns said:

“I'm sure you'll agree that the quality of verse is very encouraging, reflecting what they believe in as citizens and showing how they see the world. Congratulations to all of them and a big well done to Vicky, who is justifiably very proud of their achievements.”