E-ACT Royton and Crompton celebrates National Poetry Day

Students at E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy in Oldham recently took part in a range of exciting activities to mark National Poetry Day, celebrating the power of words and creativity throughout the school. The day kicked off with Year 9 pupils participating in Performance Poetry in Drama, bringing poems to life through a series of expressive performances.

As part of the celebrations, the school also launched a Poetry Day competition open to all students. The competition will run until the 18th of October, culminating in the creation of a Royton and Crompton Anthology featuring students' best work.

In a unique school-wide initiative, poems were displayed on all classroom doors to inspire pupils and staff as they moved around the academy, creating an environment where poetry was visible everywhere.

Some students have also written their own poems, with their creative work being shared on social media. Videos of students reading their poems aloud have been posted, showcasing their talent and confidence.

In addition to these events, all reading interventions across the school focused on poetry, with Year 7 students diving into Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem, "The British," during their English lessons, exploring themes of identity, culture, and diversity.

Gemma Cottingham, Headteacher at E-ACT Royton and Crompton, commented on the success of the day:

"National Poetry Day at E-ACT Royton and Crompton Academy has been a fantastic celebration of creativity. The enthusiasm from our pupils has been inspiring, and it’s wonderful to see poetry come alive across the school. The performances, competition, and written work reflect the talent and passion our students have for self-expression. We look forward to showcasing their voices in our upcoming anthology."

Tom Campbell, CEO at E-ACT, said:

“Special occasions such as National Poetry Day are so valuable for helping our students learn to love poetry and wider literature, and I am delighted that E-ACT Royton and Crompton has put on such a fun and fulfilling day for their students. This appreciation for poetry will help our students open their minds and develop the cultural capital they will need to thrive in adult life.”