Newfield Park Primary Academy is celebrating an amazing achievement after being officially recognised by Guinness World Records for their participation in the largest live poetry lesson ever conducted. This world record attempt, which took place in October 2024, has now been officially acknowledged, placing Newfield Park Primary Academy among over 500 schools that helped to set this remarkable global record.
The event, held on National Poetry Day, saw students from Newfield Park join thousands of peers across the country in a live virtual poetry lesson led by acclaimed poet Laura Mucha. The lesson, which was part of an ambitious Guinness World Record attempt, brought together more than 60,000 students aged 7-12 from schools across the UK. Working alongside Laura Mucha, pupils played an active role in creating a collective poem, which reflects the values and experiences that have shaped their lives.
The finished poem, centred around this year’s theme of ‘What Counts,’ will be displayed nationwide.
Steven Payne, Principal at Newfield Park Primary Academy, said: “This has been such an exciting opportunity for our pupils, and we’re absolutely thrilled that their involvement in this global event has been officially recognised.
“The opportunity to collaborate with pupils from all over the country and contribute to a poem that explores such meaningful themes of friendship, family, and community is something our students will never forget. It’s truly inspiring to think that our children were part of this world record event, and we’re incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication.”
The poetry lesson, organised in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, The Poetry Society, The Poetry Archive, and the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, encouraged participants to reflect on what ‘counts’ in their lives. Pupils at the Academy had the unique chance to share their thoughts and insights during the session, contributing ideas that helped shape the final poem. The collective piece represents a powerful tapestry of today’s youth, capturing themes of community, identity, and shared values.
This achievement not only recognises the hard work of the pupils but also underscores the school’s ongoing commitment to nurturing creativity, literacy, collaboration, and freedom of expression. It is a testament to the school’s dedication to providing unique and inspiring learning experiences for all its young learners. Above all, it serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when individuals unite to share their voices and ideas.
