School tackles knife crime with poetry exhibition

An exhibition by a Coventry school has used poetry to show visitors the effects of knife crime on young people.

Voices Beyond the Blade, curated by pupils at Lyng Hall, opened at the LTB Showrooms in the city centre on 15 June and was so successful, it was extended until 13 July.

It used poetry composed by the school's Year 9 UNESCO ambassadors and covered the five stages of grief of those who have suffered through the effects of knife crime.

Lisa Hagan, director of English, said "There's a consciousness that there'll be other young people who are unfortunate enough to either become involved through becoming a victim or because violence is endorsed by peer pressure."

According to data compiled by Police.UK, West Midlands Police recorded 10 specific incidents of possession of a weapon in the Stoke and Wyken area, which covers Lyng Hall School in May 2026, compared to a total of 88 in the previous 12 months.

The exhibition was opened by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Roger Bailey, who said "Knife Crime is an issue that affects not only individuals but families and neighbourhoods.

"It raises concerns about safety, wellbeing, and the future for our young people. Events like this are vital in helping us understand these impacts more deeply."

However, the poetry display was just one element of the overall project, according to Hagan.

"They're going to do workshops in primary schools, looking at the choices we make, what is peer pressure, how can we build positive relationships between our peers and how can we have appropriate dialogue when we're talking to one another."

The exhibition feature eight poems written by the pupils, covering the emotions people go through when someone is stabbed, all aimed at conveying how the students themselves feel about the threat posed to them by knife crime.

Hyelsinta Mshelia was one of the pupils who took part in the project and spoke to visitors at the exhibition's opening night.

"Being part of the exhibition made me feel proud. I wasn't just learning about knife crime, I was helping other people understand its impact too.

"It showed me how important it is to raise awareness and look out for each other."

Knock Knock

Knock knock who's there

This is your warning so beware

Youth are out everywhere

Being violent so stay clear

Lock your doors safety first

But nurse the wounds of those in thirst

Thirst of liberty not too far

Healing from violence leaves a scar

Knock knock who's there

The children's voices shall we hear

In need of for something that's not fear

Given hope and showing care

With justice being very near

Fight for it if you were there

Sleep in peace with no nightmare

For we are there to soothe your scare

Annabel Ogiba, Year 9

Lyng Hall School

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