On 21 January, we launched the National Year of Reading here at KEVI with an inspiring and high-energy creative writing event, as local rap artist Kay Greyson visited school to lead a workshop with selected Year 9 and Year 12 students.

Kay began the session by performing several of her own raps, immediately engaging students and showing how powerful words, rhythm and storytelling can be when combined. She then broke down the structure of an effective rap, focusing on rhythm, rhyme, repetition and, crucially, the importance of a clear theme. For this workshop, students explored the theme of “Belonging”, linking directly to our wider focus on reading, writing and identity across the curriculum.

Students worked together to brainstorm the different places and communities where people experience a sense of belonging. These included school, friendship groups, families, sports teams, fan communities and online spaces. Just as importantly, Kay encouraged students to think about moments when belonging is absent, and how writing can be used to express feelings of isolation, exclusion or searching for connection. This thoughtful discussion helped students see how language can be used creatively and emotionally to reflect real experiences.

Inspired by the discussion and Kay’s modelling, students then set pen to paper and produced some impressive original raps. The quality of ideas, vocabulary and confidence shown by students across both year groups was excellent, and it was a pleasure to see them experimenting with language in a new and meaningful way.

We are grateful to the Hexham Book Festival for their support in making this event possible. As the first event of the National Year of Reading at KEVI, the workshop perfectly demonstrated how reading, writing and spoken language can come together to give students a voice, build confidence and strengthen their sense of belonging.