On National Poetry Day, students at Shireland Collegiate Academy joined thousands of peers across the country for an inspiring event that celebrated creativity and collaboration. Working alongside acclaimed poet Laura Mucha in a live virtual session, students participated in a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest poetry lesson ever held, with the finished poem set to be displayed nationwide.
This ambitious initiative, organised in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, The Poetry Society, The Poetry Archive and the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, included over 60,000 students aged 7-12 from schools across the UK. This year’s theme, ‘What Counts’, encouraged participants to reflect on the values and experiences that have shaped their lives.
During the virtual lesson, students had a unique opportunity to guide Laura Mucha’s creative process. As they shared their thoughts and insights, their ideas contributed to a collective poem that represented a powerful tapestry of today’s youth, with themes including friendship, family and community.
Kate Simpson, Head of English at Shireland Collegiate Academy, said: “This was more than just a lesson, it was a celebration of our students’ voices and creativity.
“At Shireland, we are dedicated to fostering a love for literature, reading and self-expression through unique opportunities like this. Not only did this session allow students to showcase their talents, but it also helped develop essential skills including collaboration and communication. It empowered them to recognise the value of their ideas, building confidence and encouraging meaningful contributions to the world.”
Participation in this event marks a memorable moment for Shireland Collegiate Academy, which prides itself on fostering creativity, literacy and confidence among its students. This large-scale project has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on their educational journey, transforming them into active participants in a wider literary community.
