School pupils have written, recorded and performed their own songs in a series of rap-writing workshops with a well-known poet and musician.
Boys at Lewis School Pengam worked with poet Patrick Jones and bilingual rapper Rufus Mufasa.
A project co-ordinated by Caerphilly Arts Development and Literature Wales saw 13 to 16-year-olds at risk of exclusion from school create their own lyrics and songs to “express themselves and their attitude to life in a creative way”.
Patrick Jones said: “I think we have proved how creativity and freedom of expression can enhance a pupil’s learning experience.
“Some pupils who have been reluctant to put pen to paper have written honestly about their lives. It has been a thrilling and challenging journey.”
Rufus Mufasa said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with the groups and their creativity with poetry and lyrical skills has given them a new found passion for language and literature.
“They created such powerful and inspirational pieces of work in such a short space of time.”