Latest News

Every year, HAB partners with the National Literacy Trust and Tower Bridge to bring the Young City Poets project to life—a celebration of creativity, culture, and the power of poetry. This year, the spotlight shines on Ms Broaddus’s Year 8 English class, who have proven themselves to be nothing short of superstars.

On Thursday, we started learning about monologues—a type of poem or speech where one character speaks. We imagined what the River Thames might say if she could talk. Would she be wise and calm, or loud and full of stories?

Then on Friday, we hopped on the 78 bus and headed to Tower Bridge. It was exciting to see such a famous London landmark, and we took loads of great photos like proper tourists!

Inside Tower Bridge, we learned about its 131-year history, how the bridge lifts up to let boats through, and explored the amazing views from the top. After lunch in the education room, we got creative again—writing kennings (short, descriptive phrases) about the sky, clouds, and sun. We also used sensory language to describe the cargo that used to arrive on tall ships, and acted out what it might be like to be Tower Bridge.

Some students imagined the bridge as a grumpy old man, while others saw it as a confident influencer who loves being photographed. 

At the end of the day, we were lucky enough to see the bridge lift its bascules to let a big boat pass through—so cool!

Here’s what some of our classmates thought:

• Sofia said, “It was exciting to play the role of Tower Bridge, meet new people, and see the bridge in action.”

• Tabasom said, “I loved taking photos like a tourist and learning fun facts about the bridge.”

• Taisia said, “It was a really good day with lots of fun things to do.”

• Gohar said, “I enjoyed walking around London and being on the bus with my teachers and friends.”

• Ashe said, “The trip was wonderful. My favourite part was learning about the underground machines and how the bridge works.”

It was a brilliant day full of learning, laughter, and creativity. We can’t wait to turn our ideas into poems and share them with everyone!