3 October 2025
Ms Amanda Owens, Librarian
Monday 29 September got off to a very lively start thanks to a visit from poet, rapper* and storyteller Alim Kamara to help Woldingham celebrate National Poetry Day. The founder and CEO of internationally renowned storytelling and education organisation Storie Storie, Alim has worked with prestigious institutions including the Ministry of Defence, Channel 4, and Amnesty International, using the spoken word to empower leaders and promote inclusive societies.
Although National Poetry Day took place on Thursday 2 October, we invited Alim a few days earlier so that he could attend our whole school assembly; and what a great decision it was as his infectious energy and high velocity interactive performance of poems such as ABC and Do you get it? went down a storm!
After assembly, Alim worked with three classes of students from Years 7, 8 and 9, encouraging them to create their own poetic masterpieces on the subject of a humorous memorable experience - with some excellent results. After lunch, Alim treated students to a memorable performance in the Live Lounge, where he combined his storytelling, rapping and poetry talents. His retelling of the fable It’s okay to be scared had the audience in stitches as they witnessed his accompanying animal impersonations.
It was a brilliant morning and a great way to celebrate National Poetry Day.
*Did you know that rap stands for ‘rhythm and poetry’?