Incredible Bristol Students Sherice, 13, and Ashraf, 15, Stun Audiences with Powerful Poetry on the Slave Trade and Unseen Forces
By Jill Dando News
Two young poets from Ashton Park School, Bristol, have captivated audiences with extraordinary performances tackling historical trauma, community healing, and the invisible forces shaping our lives.
Their work headlined the school’s Poetry Slam, which saw more than 850 students take part in an ambitious celebration of creativity and self-expression.
Sherice, 13, won the ‘Community’ category with a deeply moving poem on the impact of the slave trade and the forced removal of people.
Her piece didn’t just explore the horrors of history—it also offered a hopeful vision of how community can heal the wounds of the past.
One of the most striking lines, “We’ll round them up in one big herd and make sure none of their voices are heard,” highlighted the dehumanisation of those taken and the urgent need to amplify voices today.
Ashraf, 15, took the top prize in the ‘No Theme’ category with a beautifully crafted metaphorical poem about the wind—a powerful but invisible force shaping our lives.
His evocative line, “It comes in and out of our mouths like snakes,” captured the wind’s unpredictable nature and hinted at the unseen influences around us.
The Poetry Slam wasn’t just about competition—it was about giving every student a platform to express themselves.
Every Key Stage 3 student wrote a poem, and 25 finalists performed in front of their peers and a guest judge, acclaimed performance poet Kat Lyons.
Organiser Jack explained the vision behind the event: “We wanted students to explore issues that matter to them, whether that’s personal feelings, global injustices, or the everyday world around them.
“The Poetry Slam was a celebration of their voices, their thoughts, and their power to shape conversations.”
Beyond the winners, the event showcased Ashton Park’s incredible diversity, with students from a wide range of ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds taking part.
Among them were EAL students and refugees, all bringing their own unique experiences to the stage.
The judging process was anonymous, ensuring that storytelling and poetic skill shone through above all.
Headteacher Richard Uffendell said: “The standard of poetry was simply magnificent. It was particularly inspiring to see entries from students of all backgrounds, highlighting the diversity and strength of our school community.”
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