Professor of Creative Writing and former poet laureate, Sir Andrew Motion, will visit Poole Grammar School to work with the boys on 11 June.
The school’s innovative literacy programme encourages students to become regular and enthusiastic readers and creative, confident writers. Headmaster Ian Carter said, ” I believe a literate mind is the way to a fulfilled life. I am delighted to welcome Sir Andrew Motion to the school. I am sure the boys will benefit hugely from the day.”
Year 12 student, Tushar Das, a leader of the school’s The Muse writing club met Sir Andrew at Poole’s Lighthouse after attending one of his readings a few years ago. He said, “I am looking forward to meeting him again. I admire his poetry and it will be excellent to have the chance to work with him.”
Sir Andrew will read his work and run workshops for students from Years 8-12. Pupils from across the South West Academic Trust schools will also be attending. Literacy Advisor Mrs Karen Mallace-Goulbourne said, ” Our aim is to encourage the boys to write powerfully, confidently and prolifically and I am sure Sir Andrew Motion will motivate the students to do just that.”
Sir Andrew Motion was born in 1952. He read English at University College, Oxford and subsequently spent two years writing about the poetry of Edward Thomas for an M Litt. He is now Professor of Creative Writing at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and lives in London and this year he has been chosen to judge the Man Booker Prize for Fiction. He is, therefore, very well placed to inspire young minds and that is exactly what the boys of Poole Grammar School want him to do.
