Phoenix launches literacy festival for 2005

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Phoenix High School, in Shepherds Bush, has launched its second month-long festival celebrating literacy and
literature.

Dare to Read, which began today (Thursday), will
feature an exciting programme of author visits, writing workshops and performances by pupils of their own work.

The festival is funded by the Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (PNRP), which is using government regeneration money to fund more than 20 projects, including arts and sports activities, at the school. Over the month, there will be a
programme of activities, designed to inspire and encourage Phoenix students to spend more time reading and writing. Highlights of Dare to Read include:
* Thursday, 8 September. Festival
launch in the school library with a visit by performance poet Sundra,
whose first poetry collection Star Child was published in 2003. Based in
north London, Sundra also works as a journalist, teacher and arts
advisor and runs workshops in schools. Her poetry is renowned for its
wit, passion and intelligence and she is a popular performer on the live
poetry reading circuit.
* Visits by authors, storytellers
and poets including: Ghanaian performance poet Nii Parkes (14 Sep);
Indian storyteller and tabla player Anjan Saha (21 Sep); novelist
Siobhan Curham (28 Sep) and poet Nick Makoha, aka 'Urban Spirit', on
National Poetry Day (6 Oct).
* Regular lunchtime storytelling
sessions lead by teachers and pupils, both in English and other
languages.
* A book stall open each day.
* Special events set up for
Phoenix parents in the Family Learning Centre.
* Desert Island Books poster
campaign in the school, featuring favourite books of pupils and staff.
* Friday, 7 October - Sundra will
host an end of festival performance event, where pupils will have the
opportunity to perform the work they have created throughout the
festival.

* Dare to Read coincides with National Poetry Day (6 October), National Children's Book Week (3-7 October) and Black History Month (October).

The idea for the festival was conceived by Phoenix High's full-time speech and language therapist, Carolina Puleston, last year. Her post is funded by the PNRP, which also paid
for a major refurbishment of the school library three years ago. The festival has been organised by Philippa Berry, PNRP co-ordinator, with the support of the council's arts development team. Phoenix High teaching and support staff are involved with activities.

Viv Bird, Phoenix High's chair of governors, said: "Now in its second year, the Dare to Read festival is an exciting way to encourage Phoenix students to read for pleasure, thus raising the
profile of literacy. It is one of a number of approaches the school is taking to improving literacy standards."

Cllr Melanie Smallman, cabinet member for education, said: "All the writers who are visiting Phoenix High share the determination and ability to make poetry and prose exciting and
accessible to a young and diverse audience. This festival is putting reading and writing centre stage in the run up to National Poetry Day, National Children's Book Week and Black History Month. It is another example of how the Phoenix Neighbourhood Renewal Programme is improving
the range of activities and learning experiences at the school."

 

September 11, 2005