Earlier this term a group of 25 students from Years 8-13 spent the day learning, writing, and exploring nature with acclaimed ecopoet Helen Moore. Ecopoetics, in contrast to more traditional nature poetry, unsettles our human-centred perspective and dissolves the artificial distinction between nature and culture. This exciting genre of contemporary poetry is often experimental, incorporates ecological features into its form, and is socially engaged against environmental destruction. Drawing from its Greek root, it can be seen as a form of 'home-making' that stretches beyond the act of writing to a way of being in the world.

The theme of the day was 'Out of the Shadows' - this involved looking in shadowy, hidden or overlooked places around the school site through an ecopoetic lens. After a session of 'wild-writing' in the memorial pond garden, we returned to the classroom where Helen helped the group connect their observations with contemporary environmental issues.

At the end of the day, all participants shared some of their writing with the group. We are producing an anthology, including artwork from one student, that will also include poems producing during last summer's Eco-Ramble in the Slad Valley. This will allow us to share our learning with the wider school community and hopefully raise money for charitable causes.