A great day out - Poetry Live!

51 Year 11 students travelled to Harrogate Royal Hall to spend the day listening to poetry recitals from key poets in preparation for their GCSE English Literature examination. 

Students from Selby High School had a fantastic day out listening to a diverse range of poets from Gold Medal winners Gillian Clarke and Imtiaz Dharker, Poet Laurette Carol Ann Duffy, and the acclaimed poet Simon Armitage. All poets gave enlightening insight into the background of their poetry, talking openly about personal experiences of conflict, love and relationships bringing their poetry to life. Dramatic readings from the charismatic John Agard were a particular highlight as he asked students to look for the hidden history of our world and to see things from different perspectives.

Sessions from examiner Peter Buckroyd explored the unseen element of the poetry examination with brilliant advice about how to approach this question. Alongside this, he also led students through different example answers, unlocking key exam technique.

Students from our school were exemplary in their attitude and behaviour, showing a real engagement and maturity. On the way home, listening to students reciting poems whilst discussing the issues and themes makes trips like this so worthwhile.

A huge thank you to Mrs Pickering for organising this enriching opportunity and Mrs Lewis for accompanying us.