Well Versed: An Innovative Poetry Pilot
ARE PUPILS WELL VERSED?
Writers' Centre Norwich launches innovative pilot to encourage high-quality poetry teaching in Norfolk’s schools
A scheme is launching to ensure that children get the very best poetic education possible. On Thursday 07th October Writers’ Centre Norwich launches Well Versed - a partnership between teachers, writers and up to 20 schools in Norfolk that will develop new ways of teaching poetry and performance in schools.
The year-long scheme is one of three pilots being delivered across England, led by education charity Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE) and funded by Arts Council England’s Thrive programme.
Well Versed will: develop a new post graduate certificate in Creative Writing for teachers; develop poetry courses for trainee teachers; trial innovative approaches to using poetry across the curriculum in schools; work with a diverse group of emerging and established poets and boost teacher confidence.
Writers’ Centre Norwich’s pilot will specifically focus on live literature and on using new technology to encourage the use of poetry across the whole curriculum.
Well Versed is a response to the OFSTED report into Poetry in Schools and the Arts Council England’s Thrive! Poetry Project report which both stated that many teachers do not feel confident teaching poetry and that further support was needed.
The other two regional pilots are being led by New Writing North and Writing West Midlands. Well Versed will culminate in a national poetry conference in October 2011. The event will showcase effective ways to engage young people in poetry, creative writing and performance and contribute to the debate about the role and status of poetry in the curriculum. Updates on the project and resources for teachers will be available at www.wellversedpoetry.co.uk.
Former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion, who was talking about the issues of teaching poetry in schools at a Writers’ Centre event this May says: “This scheme has the potential to create and then support deep structures which will be of very great long-term benefit to poetry - giving knowledge and confidence to teachers and also to students.”
Further Information and Contacts
WELL VERSED: LAUNCH - Please join us at The Future Zone, on Thursday 07th October, City Academy, Earlham Road, Norwich NR4 7NU from 14:15 until 14:45 as we launch Well Versed.
Chris Gribble, Chief Executive of Writers’ Centre Norwich, will briefly outline this innovative project, and there will be readings from poets Martin Figura and Helen Ivory as well as from students at City Academy.
Creativity, Culture and Education (CCE) has a vision for children’s creativity to be encouraged and nurtured in and out of school. CCE believes all children should experience and access the diverse range of cultural activity in England because these opportunities can enhance their aspirations, achievements and skills. Registered Charity no.1125841
Our Work:
Creative Partnerships – England’s flagship creative learning programme: www.creative-partnerships.com
Find Your Talent – how we can help children and young people to access arts and culture: www.findyourtalent.org