A freeform poem, composed by Bishop Grosseteste University first year English Literature student Beau, aims to offer an optimistic and realistic view on the past, present and future.

The poem explores the theme of ‘collective vision’ and was composed in just 7 minutes as part of an exercise from ‘Introduction to Literary Studies’, a module that all new students of English undertake in their first year at BGU, to mark National Poetry Day.

Speaking after the exercise Beau discussed his inspiration:

“During my first lecture of the semester this September, I became truly inspired to write a freely written poem for National Poetry Day. The theme being 'Vision'. I took from the theme a sense of our collective vision for the future. An optimistic and realistic view on the past, present and future. Written in the moment during Dr Memel's lecture. Some of his ideas and points are even weaved within this poem.”

Dr Jonathan Memel, tutor of the module in question, and Dr Claudia Capancioni, Programme Leader for English, were both full of praise for Beau’s composition:

‘We were both really impressed by Beau’s poem, which in a few lines combines the value of studying English and BGU’s origins with a sense of what it is like to be studying in 2020. On National Poetry Day each year we invite our new undergraduates to share some lines of poetry in this way. This year’s responses were as creative as ever. We felt it was important to share messages of strength, resilience and hope -- qualities that we think come through in Beau’s inspirational performance.’

English Literature teaching has enjoyed a fantastic year and is now recognized among the top 30 universities in the UK for studying English, ranking 22nd and 27th in The Times and The Guardian 2021 league tables respectively. Its recent accolades include:

  • 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects - Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021
  • 1st in the UK for Course Satisfaction - The Guardian University Guide 2021
  • 3rd in the UK for Teaching Quality - Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021

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