Posted on 26th May
Newark District Council and Newark Academy, which is part of Nova Education Trust, have won a Max Literacy grant.
The academy is one of three schools nationally to have a successful application.
Max Literacy offers funding for museums and galleries in England to work in partnership with schools and writers as part of a programme to stimulate literacy through the visual arts.
Ioney Smallhorne, a local writer, will work with a selection of year 10 students from Newark Academy to help with writing skills.
Their writing will be based on their visits to the museums and art galleries of Newark, including the Civil War Museum and the handling of artefacts in archives.
“I want to encourage young people to harness the power of poetry to realise their own greatness,” said Ioney, who is a writer, poet, educator and filmmaker.
She works in schools and community groups across the area and shares her work across numerous media platforms.
Research shows that being a part of Max Literacy can make students more confident, creative writers. It improves student speaking and listening skills and can increase behaviour and literacy by one or more levels.
Newark Academy head of school Chris Fisher said: “Developing literacy and communication skills are incredibly important. Having this wonderful opportunity to provide an enriching way to explore creative writing will enable our students to take their learning beyond the classroom and into our community.
“I am incredibly proud of our staff and students for securing this opportunity.”
