Rise Learning Zone is an alternative provision school in Nottingham. I was invited to work in the school 2 days a week, delivering 50 minute sessions to small groups of pupils, generally no more than 4 or 5 at a time.

The sessions were called 'poem & story' and initially were discussion sessions, where we talked about various topics. My mission was to show the students that their stories were valid and interesting, and I promised to publish some of these stories in a book. The students often refuse to write, some finding it difficult to sustain concentration for a whole session, but with patience I was able to build trust and watched them grow in confidence.

Using a variety of techniques, speaking and listening, drawing, taking notes and scribing for students, often working outdoors, we worked together over 3 years to produce 4 books.