A sad situation

I was much saddened to read that the poetry component of some literature exams is to be dropped in the wake on the Covid-19 situation. I know I'm not alone in this - I've seen a lot on line and in print from other disappointed writers who feel that it's symptomatic of those in charge having little appreciation of the actual subject matter on which they're pontificating. Poetry is such an integral part of our literary heritage and we've recently seen a tremendous rise in the number of young people enjoying poetry, writing poetry, performing poetry. Yes, it can be quite demanding on students in an educational environment, but is that a reason to do away with it?

I've been very heartened to see the number of younger people taking part in workshops over the period of lockdown - and very impressed by their contributions. I recently sat in on a Writing West Midlands workshop at which Sara-Jane Arbury was the guest speaker. She was talking about her very exciting work with children and young people's groups; Writing West Midlands coordinates twenty two separate groups for 8 -18 year olds. Perhaps we are now going to have to depend on agencies such as these to keep the flame alight if schools are opting out - but how many youngsters, unable to access such opportunities, will that then exclude?