Saint Paul’s Catholic High School was proud to host the Both Sides Poetry Reward Assembly, a celebration of creativity, identity, and community. This inspiring event marked the culmination of an inter-school oracy and literacy project funded by Manchester City Council.
Both Sides is a powerful poetry initiative that gives young people a platform to explore and express what community means to them, where they feel they belong, and how their identities are shaped by the world around them. Over the course of six weeks, students from three Manchester high schools—Saint Paul’s Catholic High School, MEA Central, and Co-op Academy Manchester—came together to engage in meaningful dialogue and creative expression.
Throughout the programme, students participated in workshops led by professional actors and a graphic designer, who shared their own perspectives and experiences. These sessions encouraged students to reflect deeply on societal issues and to channel their thoughts into poetry.
The result was a beautifully crafted anthology of original poems that capture the voices, hopes, and concerns of a new generation. The students’ work is a testament to the power of words to inspire change and build understanding across communities.
Mr Byron Stanley, Lead Practitioner for English/ Oracy Lead at Saint Paul’s, shared his pride in the students’ achievements:
“It’s been a privilege to see our students grow in confidence and creativity through this project. ‘Both Sides’ has given them a unique opportunity to explore their identities and connect with others through the power of poetry.”
The Both Sides project not only nurtures literacy and oracy skills but also fosters empathy, collaboration, and a sense of belonging—values that lie at the heart of Saint Paul’s mission.