Year 8 Shine at the Young City Poets Festival at St Paul’s Cathedral

On Thursday 19th March, a group of talented Year 8 students had the remarkable opportunity to attend the Young City Poets Festival at the historic St Paul’s Cathedral. This special event formed part of the National Literacy Trust’s Young City Poets Project, a programme designed to inspire young people to explore their creativity and develop confidence in their writing.

Throughout the term, one of our Year 8 classes devoted time to building their creative writing skills. Their journey began with a library lesson focused on understanding the dramatic monologue form, followed by a visit to Tower Bridge where students gathered ideas while taking in the views of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. They also took part in an author workshop at school and spent time editing and refining their imaginative pieces until they were ready to share.

Their dedication led to some wonderful achievements. Several students had their work published in a beautifully produced anthology, and two students were selected to perform their writing at
St Paul’s Cathedral during a celebration of poetry and creativity. Performing in such a world‑renowned space was an unforgettable moment for them and a proud one for our school community.

Students described the day as a delightful experience. They enjoyed the sunshine as they travelled through London, spotting famous landmarks along the way, admiring the breathtaking architecture of St Paul’s, and immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the poetry festival. Many expressed how much they loved taking part in the project and how they would happily do it again, although the programme is exclusively for Year 8, making this year’s experience all the more special.

We are incredibly proud of our young writers for their enthusiasm, imagination and commitment. Their achievements highlight the power of creativity and the joy of sharing their voices with others.