Young writers at Oxford Spires Academy have drawn on their experiences of losing friends and relatives to produce a moving anthology of poetry.

The anthology, Journeys, has been created by six pupils and came out of workshops with the school’s writer-in-residence Kate Clanchy.

It is dedicated to fellow pupils Lydia Price, who died aged 13 in January, and Saeed Mohammed, who died of a congenital heart condition aged 17 in October 2011, and also to David Graham, the father of two of the budding poets, and Abdul Rehman, father of contributor Rabia Rehman.

Ms Clanchy said: “What they have produced is incredible.

“It is personal, but beyond personal because it is well written.”

She said while she never specifically asked the children to write about grief, many tackled the issue spontaneously and used their writing to work through it.

She said: “It is a big shock to realise you are mortal at that age and young people can be blase, smoking and eating sweets – they think they’ll live forever.

“To have a peer die is a shock and that’s reflected in the book.”

Esme Partridge, 14, from Cowley, wrote about friend Lydia, see extract. She said: “I never knew her second name so when ‘Lydia Price’ passed away, I didn’t put two and two together. When I saw a picture I burst into tears.

“Writing about it has helped and it is a perfect way to share it. There were sessions we were all crying – but in a good way.”

Rhianna Graham, 17, from Cowley, wrote movingly about trying to bring someone back to life. She said: “It’s hard to write about my father but it helps.”

Rabia Rehman, 16, from Cowley, lost her diabetic father in 2007. She said: “Doing this has helped me really interpret my feelings into words.

“I shared it with my mum, Jaferan, and she was proud.

“It means a lot to both of us that it is dedicated to him.”

The anthology also reflects the diverse ethnic make-up of the school, with some writers reflecting on their experiences both here and in their homelands.

Headteacher Sue Croft was full of praise for all the writers. She said: “It showed a genuine understanding of bereavement and willingness to bare their soul.”

The book will be printed by charity First Story in June.