Activities continue at College as part of our involvement in National Year of Reading 2026. With students taking part in a poetry competition and joining a world record attempt.
Students shared their creativity and love of words in a poetry competition, which saw entrants from the Gobowen, Telford and Ludlow campuses showcase their word skills.
They also joined thousands of readers in an ambitious Guinness World Record attempt organised by the National Literacy Trust and the British Council. The challenge, involving schools and colleges from across the UK, aimed to set a new record for the most people reading online within a 12-hour period.
Poetry is a powerful way to support wellbeing, build confidence and encourage self-expression. Students rose brilliantly to the challenge, creating poems full of warmth and humour. Entries were judged by our Functional Skills Industry Champion Jan Hedger, a well-known local author and poet.
Celebrating our winners
First place went to Macy Bounds for All About Me. It was a lively and uplifting poem celebrating everything that makes her unique – from dancing to Taylor Swift and baking sweet treats to colouring and playing Roblox.
Judge and local writer Jan Hedger praised Macy’s “bouncy poem with punchy lines”, saying it flowed beautifully and wasted no words.
Ellie Thomas-Kent took second place with her colourful tribute to Dolly Parton. Jan said Ellie had captured the happiness Dolly’s music inspires, describing the entry as “a poem from your heart”.
Third place was awarded to Performing Arts group Skisa McLean, Alice Tyrell, Amy Henson, Lucy Robinson, Erica Harper-Neale and Jess Norbury for their group poem, Thursdays at 11. Their funny and observant snapshot of a Functional Skills English session captured the personalities of the group and the “slightly chaotic” fun of learning together.
Jan praised the poem’s vivid picture, saying: “I can see and hear you all!” She also highlighted its clever ending, with teacher Grace working hard to keep everything together.
Max Beniams was highly commended for About Me. His poem celebrates his favourite characters from Disney’s Cars. Jan thanked Max for sharing the things he loves and offered helpful advice about how spacing could make the poem even stronger.
Proud to support National Year of Reading
Leah Bamford, Functional Skills and Digital Skills Coordinator, thanked everyone who entered, as well as the staff who encouraged and supported students to take part.
Leah said: “We are proud to support the National Year of Reading and to celebrate the many ways reading helps our students learn, express themselves and build confidence for greater independence. It has been wonderful to see so many students getting involved and sharing their creativity. A special thank you to Jan Hedger for judging the entries and sharing her thoughtful feedback. Well done to everyone who took part.
“We look forward to hearing the results of the record attempt next month. In the meantime, keep writing and reading!”