The annual English-poetry celebration

On 6th July, students from across the Trust came together for our annual English Poetry Celebration, recognising the creativity and talent of Year 7, 8 and 9 students.

Each year, every Year 7 and Year 8 student takes part in a trust-wide poetry competition, while Year 9 students showcase their creative writing skills by producing a short story as part of their core curriculum enrichment. The event gives students the opportunity to see their work published and celebrate their achievements alongside their peers.

This year’s celebration featured special guests Darren Simpson, author of Furthermoor, Scavengers and Thirst, and Rob Bradley, world champion spoken word poet and freestyle rapper. Darren spoke to students about his latest novel, Thirst, which will become part of our core English curriculum from September 2026, while both guests praised the confidence and enthusiasm shown by students as they performed their work on stage.

Throughout the day, students proudly received their medals, celebrated each other’s success and represented their academies with exceptional behaviour.

Congratulations to this year’s overall winners:

Year 7
🥇 Melior Academy
🥈 Darton Academy
🥉 De Warenne Academy

Year 8
🥇 Goole Academy
🥈 De Warenne Academy
🥉 De Lacy Academy

Year 9
🥇 Melior Academy
🥈 The Vale Academy
🥉 Darton Academy