Celebrating National Poetry Day with Richard O’Neill at Pinvin C of E Academy

Pinvin C of E Academy, Worcestershire,  recently welcomed Richard O’Neill, an MBE-awarded, award-winning author and sixth-generation master storyteller from the Romani tradition, for a two-day educational visit  in celebration of National Poetry Day 2025.

This year’s theme, “Play”, invited children to explore the joy, creativity, and inventiveness of language and poetry. Richard’s visit brought this theme to life in the most captivating way. His storytelling sessions and workshops were not only entertaining but deeply meaningful, engaging pupils in stories that celebrated inclusion, identity, community, and ecology—values that resonate strongly within the school.

Kerry Sinnett, GRT Relationships Lead & Academy Learning Mentor
at Pinvin C of E, said” Richard’s use of wooden dolly pegs as storytelling props added a tactile and imaginative dimension that sparked curiosity and excitement among the children. His ability to connect with pupils of all ages, including those with EAL and SEN needs, was truly remarkable. Our children were visibly inspired—laughing, listening intently, asking thoughtful questions, and even creating their own stories in response. It was a joy to witness their enthusiasm and involvement.

As a multicultural school with close ties to our local GRT families, Richard’s visit was especially meaningful. His heritage and inclusive approach created a sense of connection and pride among our pupils, many of whom may not often see their backgrounds reflected in literature and storytelling. His message—that storytelling is for everyone—was a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and voice.

This unforgettable experience was made possible thanks to a generous grant of £1,750 from Wychavon District Council, which enabled us to host Richard and purchase a selection of his award-winning books for our school library. These books will continue to inspire our children for years to come, serving as a lasting legacy of this special event.

We are also deeply grateful for our ongoing partnership with Wychavon District Council, and in particular Leonie Silk (Social Mobility Officer), whose continuous support through initiatives like the Breakfast Grant Scheme has allowed us to provide nutritious breakfasts and healthy snacks to our FSM-eligible families—ensuring our pupils start their day ready to learn and thrive.

Throughout Richard’s visit, our school values of love, joy, and wisdom were beautifully reflected. The love of storytelling, the joy of shared laughter and learning, and the wisdom imparted through Richard’s tales created an atmosphere that uplifted not only our pupils but our staff as well. Many staff members shared how the visit rekindled childhood memories and reminded them of the power of imagination and oral tradition.

This was more than just a celebration of poetry—it was a celebration of possibility, creativity, and community. For many of our children, this was a rare and valuable enrichment opportunity, one that we believe will leave a lasting impression and ignite a lifelong passion for reading and writing. It reinforced our shared belief that with hard work, imagination, and resilience, every child can achieve their dreams.”

Pinvin C of E Academy press release/TT News

(All photographs courtesy of Pinvin C of E Academy)