Turning messes into masterpieces
In high school Will Small never cared much for his English lessons.
Fast track a few years forward and things couldn’t be more different. 
Thanks to the continually-growing art form of poetry slamming combined with his passion for hip hop and rap music Will is on a mission to invigorate high school English lessons across the ACT.
An ANU English Honours student, talented rapper and seasoned poetry slammer, Will is teaching students how poetry can improve literacy and boost confidence levels.
“Depending on where you look poetry is either something that is declining in interest, or, growing through the whole slam poetry scene, which lots of young people are into,” Will said.
“My workshops are challenging the way poetry is taught in schools, by saying at the moment it is disengaging students.
“(But) we could be teaching poetry in a way that gets students excited, builds self esteem, builds confidence and improves their ability to articulate themselves and improves all areas of English and literacy.”
Will said the ANU Voice Workshops gave students a chance to write and perform their own poetry in a way that was fun and energetic.
“I think students are excited to see poetry performed, and to see words they have associated with dusty, old books come to life and be animated in a person who is passionate – that’s a huge thing that really makes a difference,” he said.
“For a lot of students the thought of performing is a huge, nerve-wracking thing, so it can take a while.
“But getting them to that point of performance, you can see such a transformation, in terms of actually these are my words and I am proud of them and this is my story and it matters.”
Will’s workshops are funded through a $10,000 Arts ACT grant awarded to ANU Student Equity.