News

We were delighted to welcome poet, performer and former teacher Mark Grist to our school on Tuesday 1^st July for a special visit that left a lasting impression on students and staff alike. Mark delivered an inspiring assembly for Year 7, followed by creative writing workshops with students in Years 7, 8 and 9.

The assembly was a brilliant introduction to Mark’s unique style of performance poetry, combining humour, storytelling, and thoughtful messages about the power of words. Year 7 students were thoroughly engaged.

Throughout the day, Mark ran a series of high-energy workshops where students were encouraged to create their own rap battles. The sessions focused on exploring rhyme and thinking creatively about sound in rap. Students were not only excited to participate but some were also proud to share their work with others by the end of each session. Many commented on how much fun it was and how it helped them look at poetry in a new and exciting way.

Mark’s visit was a fantastic opportunity to show students that poetry doesn’t have to be confined to the page — it can be bold, modern, and fun! His work helped students build skills in writing and performance, all while having a great time.

Here is what the students thought of the day:

We enjoyed Mark’s session - it was great to hear him rap, and his laid back welcoming approach helped us to build and then share our own ‘villain’ raps!

And here is what Mark said about our students: 

"Just like last year, the students were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the assembly was a really fun way to start things. The Year 7s were so on side and listened brilliantly.

I really enjoyed delivering the stichomythia and Rap Battle Monster sessions. The students created some excellent pieces, exposing their opponents’ weaknesses and using high-status language to assert themselves. I genuinely think a few of them would have held their own in PMQs!

I felt very lucky to spend the day working with you all."

 

We’re very grateful to Mark for such an inspiring day and hope to welcome him back in the future.