Key Stage 3 students recently joined forces with other Trafford schools at Stretford High School for the launch of an exciting new initiative: the Young Identity Workshop, part of a borough-wide reading challenge aimed at enriching students’ literary experiences and developing their oracy skills.

A Year of Reading, Reflection, and Celebration

This collaborative project invites Key Stage 3 students to read three diverse books over the course of the academic year. At the end of the programme, students will prepare a summative presentation to discuss and celebrate their favourite title, encouraging thoughtful analysis and confident public speaking. The initiative aligns with Stretford Grammar’s commitment to reading for pleasure and curriculum enrichment, offering students a chance to engage with literature in a dynamic and social setting.

Poetry and Performance with Nasima Bee

The first workshop session featured a special appearance by Nasima Bee, a celebrated Manchester-based performance poet, producer, and creative practitioner. Nasima is a trustee of Young Identity, a collective of poets and artists, and a patron of Contact Theatre. Her work explores themes of loss, spirituality, and identity, often drawing from personal experience to connect deeply with audiences.

Students were captivated by Nasima’s powerful delivery and inspired by her message that poetry can be a tool for activism and self-expression. Her session encouraged participants to explore their own voices and begin crafting original pieces rooted in their lived experiences. Using the poetic form of a Tanka poem, the students developed some really impressive poems that explored the key themes of the first book that the group is reading.

Mrs Baker, English Teacher at Stretford Grammar, shared her enthusiasm: “It was wonderful to see our students engaging so thoughtfully with literature and spoken word. Nasima Bee’s session was a brilliant way to kick off the project—her energy and authenticity really resonated with the group.”

Mrs Murphy, the school librarian, added: “This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with peers from other schools and discover new books that challenge and inspire them. I’m excited to see how their reading journeys unfold.”

As the reading challenge continues, students will dive into new texts, share ideas, and build confidence in expressing their opinions. The final presentations promise to be a celebration of literary discovery and personal growth. Stretford Grammar is proud to be part of this initiative and looks forward to seeing how it shapes the voices of its young readers and writers.