CREATIVITY has been shining at one Launceston school as they remember one of the town’s most celebrated poets.

Students at St Stephens Community Academy have been exploring the wonderful world of poetry recently, as they got the chance to collaberate as part of 2026’s Launceston Poetry Festival.

In its second year, the festival seeks to commemorate the work of Charles Causley. This year’s headline events featured poetry readings from several award winning and acclaimed poets. These include Penelope Shuttle, Philip Gross, Sarah Howe, Rachel Long, Victoria Adukwei Bulley, Luke Kennard, Mona Arshi, Liz Berry, Ella Frears, Cathy Galvin and Rowan Williams among the lineup.

As part of the event, staff and students at St Stephens Community Academy welcomed poet‑in‑residence Lucy Buckley, who has worked with children across the school in a series of inspiring and engaging poetry sessions.

Through workshops, discussion and performance, pupils have explored language, imagery and personal expression, growing in confidence as writers and performers. The enthusiasm, imagination and pride shown in their poetry has been wonderful to see.

Maura Furber, executive headteacher at the school said: “We were delighted to be asked to share some of the children's work at the opening of the second Launceston Poetry Festival on Friday evening in front of local and national dignitaries, the team around the Charles Causley Trust and our proud families. A huge congratulations to all the year 6 pupils involved we are immensely proud that your voice could be heard in this special arena.

“Experiences like these truly enrich our curriculum and help bring writing to life. A huge thank you to Lucy Buckley and the Charles Causley Trust for supporting and inspiring our young poets and to our chair of governors , Joan Heaton, who is a trustee of this amazing organisation.”