School pupils spent the day with Simon Armitage and Agnes Lehoczky from the University and Peter and Ann Samson from Poetry Business. They worked together using the theme of poetry and landscape to create poems inspired by the exhibitions and sculptures on display. At the end of the day, the children chose two favourite poems they'd produced to be published in June as an anthology by Poetry Business.

Simon was impressed with the results, commenting: “I'm always amazed by how much creative potential younger students have, especially where poetic language is concerned, and the Sculpture Park was the perfect place for unlocking and sharing that potential. The students were inspired and inspiring, full of energy, concentration and inventiveness. It was a privilege to teach them and hear their work.”

Dr Joanna Gavins from the University’s Department of English Literature, Language and Linguistics said: “The day was a great success. The sun shone and the children produced some really impressive poetry. Many of them had never been to the sculpture park before and the whole event was a chance for them to experience art and creativity in a new and exciting environment.”

Two pupils from High Storrs School, Harry King and Charlotte Loy, enjoyed working with the poets and the unique surroundings. Charlotte said: "The sculpture park was amazing, the poets were fantastic and the company was cool!" Harry commented: "It was a great day, a real opportunity to expand my horizons."

Janette Pratt, Curator of Learning at YSP, said: “Simon has been a friend of YSP for many years, and we are delighted to welcome him back for this exciting project. The Sculpture Park has always been committed to providing learning opportunities for all in our unique landscape, and it is great that the students were so inspired by their visit.”