Nothing. Something. Everything — Anthology Launch by Skinners’ Academy’s Young Writers

The Skinners’ Academy English Department is proud to announce the launch of Nothing. Something. Everything — the 2024–25 Young Writers’ Programme anthology, created in partnership with First Story.

This powerful collection of poetry and prose represents the voices of 15 young women from Years 10 and 11, who took part in weekly creative writing workshops led by award-winning writer-in-residence, Luan Goldie.

For Luan, the project was a homecoming of sorts - she herself is a former Skinners’ student, having attended the all-girls school back in the 90s. Reflecting on her experience, she wrote in her introduction:

“Entering Skinners’ Academy for my initial workshop was different to my previous years as a First Story Writer-in-Residence. Why? Because I am a former student of the school… It reminded me of Skinners’ in the olden days, and its belief in girls supporting each other and using their voices. I guess now it would be called taking up space.”

Goldie describes how the energy of the group immediately resonated with her:

“The group’s energy felt so familiar to me, it was almost nostalgic. Perhaps it was something to do with their jokes, gossip and gentle teasing of each other. Or maybe it was the way they supported each other… These girls really did that.”

Throughout the sixteen-week programme, students explored themes of identity, belonging, friendship, fear, and creativity - finding inspiration in their own lives and through literature, music, and art. As Goldie noted, their sessions were filled with both laughter and openness:

“Of course, there was silliness… but there was also an openness, particularly in how frankly they expressed love for their friends, families and pets - and for themselves.”

English teacher Ms Akano, who co-led the project alongside Ms Ali, shared her pride in the group’s journey:

“It has been a great pleasure to watch this journey of creativity: reluctance, hesitancy and trepidation developed into willingness and enthusiasm, resulting in keen and ready writers." 

The anthology features a diverse range of original works, including this striking piece about fear:

“Don’t be afraid of her. She’s what you need. We see her on the screens, the magazines. A silhouette of her dreams: insurmountable to those around her. She prompts epiphanies in those who face her and shares admiration with those who hold her.”

You can listen to some of the published pieces performed via this oracy pilot, 'First Story Presents: London Voice'.

The launch of Nothing. Something. Everything celebrates not only the creative achievement of these young writers, but also the importance of self-expression and of vulnerability. 

As Goldie concludes in her introduction:

“Thank you, fellow Skinners’ Girls, for being so generous with your words. Thank you for indulging me in my nostalgia, and for taking up space.”