As part of their English extension programme, some of our Year 5 and 6 pupils got the chance to attend the Poetry Together launch event in Westminster run by Dukes Education. The children fully immersed themselves in the experience and relished everything about the day, getting the chance to work with some acclaimed poets and hear some powerful stories and performances.

The event was started by Gyles Brandreth, poet, broadcaster, and author, who introduced the children to the workshops taking place during the day including smaller activities such as fridge magnet poetry and a portable collection of poems where you could ‘take what you needed’.

The first workshop for the Prospect House pupils was run by Steven Camden, also known as Polarbear. He got the children to quickly brainstorm about a mystery location, a mystery character, a sound, and a pet amongst other things. With all the ideas buzzing around, the room became electric with the energy of excited voices and inspiration fizzing between friends. With those imaginings, Steven emphasised that something magical can come from what was once an organised mess!

For the second workshop, our students were lucky enough to be joined by Joseph Coelho, acclaimed author, poet and the 2022-24 Children’s Laureate. The children listened to his poem If all the World Were Paper and were enthralled by how he performed as well as the message behind his words. They then wrote a few lines inspired by this particular work.

The Dukes Annual Poetry Competition, closing on 20 December, encourages children to write a poem encompassing the theme ‘friendship’. Any school can take part and it is free to enter. If selected, children can win book vouchers for their school, be invited to perform on ITV’s This Morning or go to Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Camilla.

Categories: community english school trip year 5 year 6