LITERATURE students have been inspired by national figures who have written their own futures with the power of words.
GCSE students have been stirred to action, as they make their final preparations for crucial English literature exams in May, by a day-long conference aimed at boosting grades.
Longfield Academy of Sport, Darlington, has high hopes for top grades after almost 100 Year 11 English literature GCSE students attended an inaugural literature conference at the town’s Blackwell Grange Hotel.
Critically acclaimed award winning British poet Daljit Nagra was among a line-up of influential speakers that also included BBC Breakfast News business presenter Steph McGovern.
Year 11 pupils study his poetry as part of the Clashes and Collisions Anthology. In 2007, 2011 and 2013 he was awarded Poetry Book of the Year and he attends workshops and literary festivals all over the country.
He told them: “It is amazing to have students study my poems as part of the GCSE curriculum.
“I used to listen to a lot of rock music because I loved the lyrics. I found that poetry is like music without the guitar.”
Daljit told students that he was influenced by his background, as the son of immigrant workers who came to Britain in the 1960s from their home near the Golden Temple, in Northern India.
As well as reading his poems, he answered a host of questions about his life, his poetry and the life experiences that shape his work.
Student Rebecca Simons, 16, said: “Hearing him will really help me remember when I am sitting my exams. Meeting Daljit has helped bring his work alive.”
Middlesbrough-born Steph McGovern told students about her life reporting business news in this country and abroad.
“My job is about being nosy, about finding stories, stories that are true, but stories nevertheless,” said Steph, who works out of Manchester but still has a home in the North-East.
“It is hard work but it is a lot of fun. The biggest thing I have learnt is that you have to be true to yourself. Don’t lose your personality. That has been crucial to my career.”
Teesside University senior lecturer in English Dr Rob Hawkes, who specialises in modernism, discussed the importance of English literature in future careers and life skills.
Teesside University senior lecturer in English Dr Helen Davies, who specialises in Victorian literature, gave a lecture on the Victorian Gothic, widening delegates’ appreciation of the context and themes in Jekyll & Hyde, in preparation for their prose exam.
The day was organised by assistant curriculum leader for English and literacy Louise Mower and faculty leader Louise Laver just as the school received its early entry English GCSE results revealing an 81 per cent pass rate, up from 75 per cent last year.
Mrs Mower said: “The day was absolutely fantastic for staff and students. We have so many ideas of how it can be followed up and the students were truly inspired by some incredible stories and sound advice.
“Taking students out of the classroom succeeded in widening their experiences and appreciation of literature. I am convinced every one them will think back to the conference when they are sitting their exams and this will boost their levels of achievement.”