Join the DGS and SBS Patron of Writing at this year’s Wantage Literary Festival, with events running from 26^th October to 2^nd November 2019 (half term).

As a poet, Elaine is passionate about sharing writing with young people, and giving them space to do it. Literature and writing have a hugely positive impact on emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, mental health and attainment in school. Reading and writing your own work has been proven to be massively beneficial but, as the creative side of the English curriculum can get narrowed within schools, there are fewer opportunities to do it… until now!

Elaine is one of the judges at the Wantage Literary Festival and there are two opportunities for our students to get involved:

300 Words Competition: Sunday 27^th October, 2pm at The Methodist Church on Newbury Street

Read all about it at:

www.wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk/2019-programme/300words/

Poetry Slam: Tuesday 29^th October, 7.30pm at King Alfred’s Sixth Form Building

Wow the audience with your words… no guts, no glory! Find out more at:

www.wantageliteraryfestival.co.uk/2019-programme/poetry-slam/

You can hear more about the Literary Festival and what Elaine is looking for as a judge by watching this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw0h6uTfMYI

Don’t just take our word for it… You can click this link to find out why reading for pleasure is important:

https://readingagency.org.uk/news/blog/why-is-reading-for-pleasure-important.html