Royal Liver Group

Levels of literacy in Liverpool secondary schools are once again on the up, according to Liverpool City Council’s Raising Achievement Team’s School Improvement Officer, Mary Kelso.

"Along with innovative interventions in schools and our own secondary school strategy, our partnerships with local business, like Royal Liver Assurance, are vital to this success," said Mary.

Mary has eight years of evidence for this, having worked with Royal Liver on its award-winning Poetry of Place competition since it started in 2001.

Poetry is an essential part of GCSE English and the part played by this competition has contributed to a 7% rise in results achieved this year. Liverpool’s Assistant Education Director Tim Warren said “The Raising Achievement service is delighted with the impact the partnership with the Royal Liver has had on schools, teachers, pupils, parents and the wider community; long may it continue!”

The Royal Liver Assurance Poetry of Place competition plays a major role in the education of Liverpool’s 11 to 14-year-olds, with pupils writing about their favourite places in the city during English lessons.

Mary said: “This approach really works; it inspires pupils by tapping into their local knowledge and the emotions they feel for their city, fostering pride as well as boosting literacy.”

This year’s winner, 14-year-old Craig Kelly from Sandfield Park School in L12, agrees. He said: “My favourite place is Otterspool and I really enjoyed writing about it. Poetry’s a brilliant way of expressing yourself and I loved going to the Royal Liver Building to get my prize.” Craig's achievement was extra special because his school has been taking part in the competition since it began and this is the first time they have ever been placed.

The 2009 Poetry of Place competition received 1,300 entries and a shortlist of 24 poems was posted on the Royal Liver website for members of the public to vote on.

Since Poetry of Place began, around 10,000 children have entered from every secondary school in Liverpool but most importantly, the standard of entries keeps on getting better and better – a sure sign that the competition and the partnership continues to deliver genuine benefits for the future.

Royal Liver's Chairman and Chief Executive David Woods said: "Royal Liver gets a lot out of supporting this competition; education is the biggest single investment we, as a society, can make in the future.

“Investing in young people's development creates so much pride within our organisation and when we meet the young people that write these amazing poems we are all humbled and inspired.

“Partnerships with the community continue to be of vital significance to Royal Liver – they are a part of our DNA and we have always aspired to leave a lasting, sustainable legacy in this city. This competition is an excellent example of how long-term relationships can really pay dividends for all involved."

Mary believes that more businesses should consider partnering educational projects. She said: “This is an excellent achievement and an example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships. Our relationship with Royal Liver has added to our success and Poetry of Place has become a regular feature in the English curriculum.

“The Royal Liver Building and those iconic Liver Birds continue to inspire the children to write amazing poems year after year. Every young poet receives a certificate and the pupil's that make it to our shortlist get an incredible boost when they attend our awards ceremony at the Royal Liver Building and collect their prizes.

"If more businesses could get involved in this kind of creative partnership I sincerely believe that we could all benefit."

ends

Pictured: Royal Liver Chairman and Chief Executive, David Woods, winner, Craig Kelly, and Liverpool City Council School Improvement Officer, Mary Kelso.

For more information please contact Royal Liver Assurance:

Richard Edwards
0151 600 4268
richard.edwards@royal-liver.com

or

Jess Green
0151 600 4271
jessica.green@royal-liver.com

Notes to editor:

Craig’s winning poem:

Otterspool (My favourite place to be)

Otterspool; my favourite place to be
With its pathways, green hills and views
The grey mountains in the distance.
Sitting with a picnic watching boats go by
And seagulls gliding above.
The waves from the Mersey splashing gently on the steps
Blue sky clouds drifting towards a dark sea
Otterspool
A beautiful place to be

In 2007 the Royal Liver Assurance Poetry of Place competition scooped a British Insurance Award for Responsible Business.

Royal Liver Assurance Limited was founded in Liverpool in 1850. In 1911 it opened the landmark Royal Liver Building, which continues to be its Head Office.

An Incorporated Friendly Society (Register No. of Society 35 Coll.), Royal Liver Assurance Limited is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority (Registration No. 110005) and adheres to the Codes of Conduct issued by the Financial Regulator in the Republic of Ireland.

Royal Liver Assurance is a member of the Association of British Insurers, the Irish Insurance Federation, the Association of Friendly Societies and the Association of Mutual Insurers.

Royal Liver Assurance Limited is registered in England; Head Office: Royal Liver Building, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1HT. T: +44 (0)151 236 1451 www.royalliverassurance.com