Chester Storyhouse Trip

An inspiring evening of performances from celebrated poets, some of whom feature in the GCSE and A Level syllabuses and including former poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, was attended by a group of our Year 9 and 10 students. 26 students attended the event, ‘Imtiaz Dharker and friends’, curated by award winning poet, artist and filmmaker Imtiaz Dharker, which was held at Chester’s Storyhouse venue on November 22 as part of the city’s annual Literature Festival, which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary. The event featured world-renowned poet Carol Ann Duffy as well as showcasing emerging talents, Mark Pajak, Ella Duffy and Mollie Underwood. Students heard a wide range of award winning poetry covering themes such as childhood, exile, and journeying as well as home and religion. From historic through to contemporary writing, uncomfortable and challenging subjects, all were entertaining.

All the students thoroughly enjoyed the event, which provided them with a deeper understanding of the poetry they study as part of the English syllabus. Students also had the opportunity to explore the library and study facilities at Storyhouse. Following its success, it is hoped that the English Department will be able to organise more events of this kind in the future.