Young People’s Laureate Wales Sophie McKeand dropped into Deri View and Cantref Primary Schools in Abergavenny this week to stage some creative workshops.

The events were organised as part of the Poetry into Schools Project for Years 5 and 6.

The project is being run by Lucie Parkin at the Abergavenny Writing Festival and funded by Abergavenny Round Table.

“I was contacted by John Meredith, Chairman of the Abergavenny Round Table, around the time of the 1st Aber Writing Fest of April this year,” Lucie explained.

“John had seen what we were planning and wanted to know how the Round Table could help and get involved.

“We came up with the idea of a stand-alone school project as a way of showing young people just how exciting and dynamic poetry can be.”

The timing and theme of the poetry sessions were chosen to tie in with the annual Belgrave Park Fireworks display organised by the Abergavenny Round Table.

Sophie McKeand said, “After being part of the inaugural Abergavenny Writing Festival earlier this year, and seeing what a huge success it was, I was delighted to be invited to take part take in their outreach programme in junior schools.

“I was impressed with both schools’ enthusiasm for poetry and for getting involved with a workshop format. The children showed great imagination and really got stuck into our creative sessions. I had a wonderful time and will gladly come back anytime - this is a truly wonderful addition to a lovely festival.”

All the pupils who took part seemed very enthused by Sophie’s sessions.

Some comments from Cantref Primary School pupils:

“It was very interesting seeing a poet’s point of view and this made it easier for us to understand how to write and create poems.” (Tess Brunsdon, Year 6).

“I really enjoyed the afternoon workshop because the poet introduced us to new ways of creating words, she helped me to understand poems and taught us through games which were really fun.” (Martha Goode, Year 6).

“It was amazing, I had lots of creative fun.” (Qays Ramadan, Year 6).

“I thought the poetry lesson was really cool, it was nice to be inspired by someone who has written poems in the past. I would like to say a huge thank you for teaching us today.” (Will Spiers, Year 6).

The Abergavenny Writing Festival will take place again in April 2017. For further information email [email protected] or log onto abergavennywritingfestival.com