Poetry in Schools: Cottenham Village College

In November 2012 I ran a poetry project with artist Inja in Cottenham Village College Sixth Form Centre, organised by Start Arts – http://www.start-arts.org.uk/. The aim of the workshops was for the students to feel more ownership of their new school building, to respect it and each other.
We ran a days poetry workshop with the students, after which we took snapshots of their work and exhibited these in various hidden and humorous locations around the school as part of the Rheebridge Art Exhibition.

Here are some of the snapshops now permanently displayed in the school:

Toilet poetry — Phrases placed between the two main toilets!

Main piece — Poem in the entrance area to the sixth form

What do you think? Placed in sight of the seating lunch space

Under the Stairs — Phrases placed in hidden locations under the stairs of the sixth form block.

A very heartfelt phrase from a student placed in the light beam of the stairs

Love Poetry — A poem about relationship issues placed in the ‘cosy corner’ area of the school on the ceiling above the sofa

Student's work placed in the main space cafe area — Student’s work placed in the main space cafe area

Larger images below:

: A poem about relationship issues placed in the ‘cosy corner’ area of the school on the ceiling above the sofa

A very heartfelt phrase from a student placed in the light beam of the stairs