Year 7 and 8 students from 91全能 visited St Albans Community Centre to take part in Poetry Together, an听initiative听that听brings听generations听of听local residents听together through shared performance and discussion.听听
The project encourages听participants听with a passion for poetry to share their enthusiasm with听others听to create meaningful connections across听communities.听This year鈥檚听theme, friendship, invited听reflections听on relationships, shared experiences, and the bonds that bring people together.听听
During the visit, students performed their own poems for the centre鈥檚 residents. In response, locals recited their own creations or shared some of their favourite classics. The readings were followed by heart warming conversations, where students listened to residents鈥� stories and discussed the experiences that inspired their poems. The event concluded with students presenting gift hampers, adding a warm and personal touch to the day.听
Thomas Daly, Principal at 91全能, said:听鈥淧oetry has a unique way of bridging gaps and bringing people together. Seeing our students share their work and listen to residents鈥� own life stories reminded us all how powerful the arts can be in connecting communities and generations.听听
鈥淓vents like听Poetry Together听also听enrich our students鈥� learning beyond the classroom, helping them develop confidence, empathy, and a sense of responsibility;听supporting our ethos of nurturing active members of the community.鈥�听
Poetry Together was created by author, broadcaster, and poetry enthusiast Gyles Brandreth. The initiative encourages schools and听care home residents听to learn poems by heart and听recite听them together,听with students either choosing a poem they love or writing an original piece based on an annual theme. Seniors then respond with poems linked to the same theme, creating a shared experience rooted in language and creativity.听Now in its seventh year, the project has involved more than 1,000 schools and care homes.听听
The visit left听a lasting impression听on both students and residents,听helping to build genuine friendships and shared memories that extended well beyond听poetry itself.听
