Levi Tafari Visits Wellacre

Posted at 1:22 pm on 10th May, 2018

Poet Inspires Year 9 Anthology

Wellacre boys from Year 9 are to share a poetry anthology with their school, parents and wider community, inspired by renowned poet Levi Tafari and illustrated by local artist Mancsy.

Levi joined Year 9 students for a day-long poetry workshop, as part of Wellacre’s World Book Day celebrations, about identity and culture.  Together, Levi and students, examined poetic techniques, structure, form, language choices before developing their ideas and exploring how to express themselves.

Students watched Levi deliver a vibrant performance of his work.  Inspired by his poetic talents, they then completed writing their own verses.

Mr Chisnall, Director of English and Whole School Literacy, said:

“It was an inspirational day for students and unlocked their creative talents in poetry writing, which everyone will be able to enjoy in Wellacre’s anthology.  We look forward to welcoming Levi back in the near future, when we will be collaborating with local primary school children to inspire them to use language in an imaginative way and create their own poems.”

Wellacre’s English Department has gathered the body of student work together to publish the impassioned poetry anthology, which celebrates Manchester and the cultural diversity of the city.  Wellacre will proudly share copies with students and parents, as well as presenting them to local primary schools.

Levi Tafari said:

“The work that Wellacre students produced is absolutely fantastic and shows what confident writers they are becoming.”

Hearing about the Manchester-focused project, famous local artist Mancsy, was keen to collaborate with students and agreed for the specially-commissioned Wellacre bee artwork to be featured on the front cover.  

Jack Kelly, Year 9 student, said:

“I found that working with Levi really inspired me and gave me lots of ideas to write about.  It helped me think about what being from Manchester really means and I enjoyed representing my culture through my poem.”