The Seen But Seldom Heard Project
‘Seen but seldom heard’ is a project that a group of KS4 and Post16 students have worked on during their LEAP sessions over the last summer term. Linking with Bournemouth University, the Media School and two professional poets, we embarked on a quest to bring performance poetry to the very heart of our school, and explore, with 13 of our young people, what it is like to be a young disabled person in today’s society, and how they feel others perceive them. The project was a huge success and the achievements were many. A collection of powerful and moving poems, written by our students. A beautiful multi media performance that celebrates the wonderful diverse means of communication that our students use. We also performed at Weymouth Pavilion’s 360 dome tent as part of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. A book of their poetry ensuring that their poems will last forever and be shared among many is now available at our reception. All proceeds will go towards The Sparkle Appeal. But most importantly of all, our students who have given their heart and soul to their writing this term , have a message for you. They show us that poetry is for everyone, whether you use a communication book, a VOCA, signing, symbols, or your voice…….. You have a voice………it is a beautiful voice………..so use it. all proceeds will go towards The Sparkle Appeal.
There is also the possibility of a national television documentary on this project and you can see some of the footage on Youtube here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-PUPL42e3kw
For a taster here is one poem composed in a group session.
For the people who stare
Get to know the person you’re staring at.
For the people who stare
What’s your problem?
For the people who stare
Try to step in my shoes.
For the people who stare
Don’t. It makes me feel scared.
…
For the people who stare
It makes me feel sad.
For the people who stare
Everyone is different but judgement takes over.
For the people who stare
I can’t do anything about it.
For the people who stare
People are always scared of what’s different.
For the people who stare
You are disabled to me. I am disabled to you. We are all aliens on this world.
For the people who stare
I am crazy but I’m just me, don’t look at my wheelchair.
For the people who stare
I am open like a magic door.
For the people who stare
I am pretty white teeth but yellow on the inside.
For the people who stare
I am an actor, gifted with every emotion.
For the people who stare
I am a titanium spine worth £1000’s on Ebay.
For the people who stare
I am my own person.
For the people who stare
I am a unique cloud, always different every day.
For the people who stare
I am Shaun the funny sheep.
For the people who stare
I am a football Nickipedia.
For the people who stare
I am full of a thirst for knowledge.
For the people who stare
I want to see a change for the better.
For the people who stare
I am everything that I am, I can’t change. I wouldn’t change it for the world.