Summary
- A creative literacy initiative to encourage children and young
people who are not in mainstream education to find out more about
libraries and archive collections, in the company of a published
poet.
- Use of First World War (WW1) archives as inspiration for the
production of poetry, lyrics and drama.
- Publication of poetry in The Trenches, 1914-1918,
alongside images from the archive collections.
- A celebration event to recognise the achievements of the
participants.
- A performance by Peterborough’s Poet Laureate Michael Ricardi
(Mixy) at the celebration to inspire the students to build on their
achievements. With original hip hop lyrics including a rendition of
his own work inspired by the First World War.
- A certificate and copy of The Trenches given to the
students at the celebration, plus 125 copies to give away.
- A poetry performance from eight of the students at the
celebration event.
Partners
- Local Studies and Archives Service/ Central Library
- Peterborough College of Adult Education, Mansfield Skills
Centre
- Museum Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
Participants
A group of 20 students from the Mansfield Skills Centre aged
16-19 years.
The students were on the Centre’s E2E (Entry to Employment)
programme. The majority of the students have been out of mainstream
education for a while or have not had a good experience when they
were at school. On the programme they have the opportunity to
work on their Literacy, Numeracy and ICT qualifications and also
work on personal and social skills. The majority of the
students have issues with attendance and confidence so the
programme aims to work on these areas in order to give a more
positive experience of education.
Structure
- Library tour and session with Archivist to explore collections
(2 and a half hour session)
- Poetry day led by the contemporary published poet, Pauline
Stewart, using archives to write poetry (6 hour session)
- Celebration rehearsal for performers (2 hour session)
- Celebration event (1 and a half hours)
Outcomes
- Students with no pre-interest in libraries and archives found
that they are enjoyable and you can learn from them.
- Students with no knowledge of the First World War connected to
the subject and learnt about its history in a creative way.
I have enjoyed learning more about the town where I live, I
saw pictures of old times that now are totally different.
- Hip-hop based on history was found to be an effective tool to
inspire the participants.
- Students with low literacy levels learnt how to write poetry
and were able to produce their own work.
-
Best thing about today was learning how to build on a
poem.
- Students with low self esteem had their confidence boosted
through the publication of their poetry and having their
achievements recognised through the celebration event.
- Students with low confidence and communication difficulties
found they were able to perform to an audience of over 50 people in
a formal theatre setting.
-
There is talent in us youngsters. My mum told me she was
proud and that I should carry it out as a career. My step-dad
brought a card for me with my mum saying that they were all proud.
I am proud of myself, I achieved confidence through performing and
I would suggest these events happen more often. It really does
bring out the best in people.
Cost breakdown
Grant from Museum’s Libraries and Archives Council (MLA)
£943.75. Spent on:
- Poet’s fees £506.80
- Design and printing of booklet £250
- Food £60
- Equipment £45
- Other £81.95
In-kind contributions by Peterborough City Council:
- 50 hours work put in by Archivist, Reading Promotions Librarian
(Adults) and Reading Promotions Librarian (Children)
- Room hire for sessions and celebration event
Other in-kind contributions:
- Free performance by Mixy at celebration event
·
Many of Peterborough’s most popular cultural and sporting
facilities are part of Vivacity, an independent,
not-for-profit organisation with charitable status.
Find out more about
the trust on the Vivacity website.
