Samworth Church Academy staff and students have published a literary account inspired by their experiences during lockdown

Teacher John Rogers, who co-ordinated the project at the Mansfield school, said it was initially aimed at students.

“I facilitated workshops about approaches to poetry and short fiction, in addition to sharing editing advice,” he explained.

“Finally, I paired a writer with an editor to get them collaborating across email. It worked really well.”

So well in fact that soon the project began to take on a life of its own.

“We had 15 students (from years 7 to 12) engage in the online sessions,” John added. “Over time, and at the students’ request, I extended the call to staff to share their writing because we believed a truly collaborative project should involve the whole academy community.”

It was decided that the work — ‘TSCA: A Year in Lockdown’ —- should be published as an ezine

John said the group is looking at further ways to develop the theme, potentially submitting work to magazines and journals, or working with other schools on a project. 

Student Sophie Broughton said: “I’m proud that I am able to represent the school with my own drawing and writing styles; I have developed my writing strength through being introduced to different forms.”

Connor Summerell wrote about the emotion any prime minister would feel just before announcing a national lockdown. 

“During the writing process I learned about how to structure a narrative to make sure it flows. I enjoyed the chance to imagine what it was like taking the decisions that guided us through the pandemic,” he said.

“The final culmination of our work in the anthology is incredible. The artwork on the front is impeccable and the breadth of tone and mood is fascinating.”