Year 10 English Literature pupils visited the Apollo Victoria Theatre for Poetry Live! – an annual event designed to bring the GCSE English Literature curriculum to life.
The day began with a deep dive into the technicalities of the GCSE examinations. A senior examiner explored key aspects of the ‘Unseen Poetry’ component, highlighting the importance of active reading and comparative skills in this section.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the opportunity for students to hear from the poets featured in the GCSE anthology. Simon Armitage, the current Poet Laureate, performed some of his best-known works, including ‘Remains’. He spoke candidly about his craft, explaining how his writing is often a way of “processing the world” around him. Other poets also shared the stage, offering a diverse range of voices and styles that showcased the breadth of modern British poetry, including John Agard and Carol Ann Duffy.
The insights gained from both the examiners and the poets throughout the day were incredibly valuable for pupils as they continue their GCSE journey.