Local 4 Global

Global Education Milton Keynes is managing a 'poetry slam' as a joint venture with the Ethnic Minority Forum. Year 5 and year 8 pupils from six schools are exploring the theme of identity. The project has been made possible by the Local Network Fund (DfES). We hope this pilot will develop into an annual event involving more schools.

A poetry slam is performance poetry. Young people work together in groups inspired by a local poet, with support from EMASS and the Youth Service on understanding identity. Finished poems are three minutes long and performed using no props or special costumes. Their peers are the judges and it is planned to publish the poems in a booklet.

The theme embraces the multiple identities from the self- to global identity and represents the wide ranging communities of Milton Keynes and beyond. It is particularly pertinent for a new city where most of the inhabitants have come from somewhere else and there is a particular need to forge a sense of identity within community.

The joint venture is significant because agencies often work in isolation and a more holistic approach can be achieved through co-operation. Young people are challenged by working in groups, but they develop skills they will be able to use to express deep feelings.

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