The essential journalist news source
Back
25.
January
2017.
Students work with English Pen on poetry collection

[image] 

[image]PRESS RELEASE

[image]

 

24 January 2017

 

NewVIc students on the ‘Mathematics of Survival'

 

On Tuesday 24 January, NewVIc launched their new ‘chapbook' entitled ‘The Mathematics of Survival'. This project, run by staff in the College's Student Development department in partnership with free speech charity, English Pen inspired 44 students to write short stories and poetry over a number of workshops.

 

Established poet Joelle Taylor worked with the students from the Step Up Programme, for six weeks whilst author Kat Lewis ran a two week Nrich activity that was open to any student at college. Much of the students' work is published in this chapbook and some poems were made into mini films with the help of media students, which were shown at the event.

 

Kat Lewis from English Pen says: "At such uncertain times, it is a privilege to come to NewVIc where it's clear that hate is a lack of imagination. The sparkling talent in this group of young writers is fed by their fresh and curious eyes. I believe in a future where these voices are loud".

 

A number of students were encouraged to read their work out loud to the audience. Their maturity and feeling for their poems was very impressive.

 

Dr Steven Kern, Youth Activities Leader says: "NewVIc's exclusive partnership with English PEN over the last four years has resulted in the most incredible poetry that is often written by students who have never engaged in creative writing or shared their thoughts with others before. The raw emotions and experiences put to paper capture the difficulties young people face but also highlights the power they have to make positive change".

 

One of the groups who took part are the Step Up programme. This is a foundation level course providing a supportive environment for students who find school challenging or unrewarding. These students in particular became very engaged and excited by sharing their feelings and experience through poetry.

 

Although the Chapbook is not available to buy on the high street, it does have a CIP catalogue entry at the British Library, so the students can say with some confidence that they are published poets.

 

NewVIc's next open day is on Saturday 4 February (9.30 - 12.30) at the Prince Regent Lane campus.

 

- Ends -

 

For more information, please contact Sandra Bauer, Head of MarketingSandra.bauer@newvic.ac.uk

photo caption (group shot) Dr Steven Kern and Principal, Eddie Playfair with student group 
(individual shot)  Syeda Tashawar Ahmer reads her poem entitled "Held Record for Bird Sightings"

NewVIc (Newham Sixth Form College) is a place to learn, thrive and achieve for students aged 16-18. It combines high quality facilities with excellent teaching, tailored support and a strong sense of community. An investment of £8m in a new building which opens in 2017 provides a state-of-the-art technology-enabled learning resource centre.

 

Established in 1992, the College celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2017. It has 2,500 students and is based in Plaistow, Newham.