A 16-year-old Roedean schoolgirl met former children’s laureate and author Michael Rosen after winning a national poetry competition.
Amelia Mitchell beat off hundreds of entrants to win the TES SEND Show Poetry Competition with her poem The Glass Wall and was handed the award by revered children’s author and head judge Mr Rosen, who then read out her poem.
Education magazine TES holds a London show annually for everyone involved in the provision of education for SEND children. As part of that, SEND pupils from across the country were invited to create a poem reflecting on something or someone that they feel has been integral to helping them get to where they are today, be that teachers, support workers, family, a club or friends.
Amelia’s poem was aimed at people who helped her break down an invisible wall that kept her from participating in everyday life.
Said Amelia: “Honestly, it still feels surreal that I met with such an incredible figure who means so much to so many people, and that to do it I won a national competition. The whole experience was extremely emotional and gratifying as I was approached by many people who felt connected to my words, and I feel such a sense of pride that I can resonate with the struggles of others. Obviously it is amazing to have won for my poetry, but to me the best part is the people who can read it and feel less alone.”
Roedean deputy head Ross Barrand said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Amelia has been recognised for her work and we look forward to seeing what awaits her in the world of poetry.”
Amelia’s poem will be published in an anthology by TES later this year.
Categories: Roedean School School News
