Poet in Schools

INFANT / JUNIOR / PRIMARY SCHOOLS

Most days begin with a performance to the whole school (KS 1 & 2). If you have a particularly large school (400 plus) it may be that there would have to be two performances – one for KS1 and one for KS2. The performance usually lasts for at least an hour – sometimes longer with KS2 – and would include lots of audience participation, laughter, fun as well as introducing a wide variety of poetic stiles, moods and subjects.

Usually, I will follow the performance with three one-hour sessions with individual classes in KS2. In these there will be an opportunity for the pupils to ask questions as well as undertake a poetry-based exercise. This may take the form of a written poem, a group poem or a performance poem.

There will be follow-up work required to complete the workshops and the class teacher should be present for the duration of the workshop. Follow up guidelines will be given as part of the session.
In KS1 workshops are usually 30-40 minutes. They can involve one class and often it’s useful to put a couple of classes together. I would usually begin the session by drawing a few cartoons of the characters from the poems and then lead the children into a performance poetry workshop where we would pool ideas and turn them into a group performance. Again, there would be follow-up work available. It is not usually possible to fit more than three workshops in the day, following the performance.

The timetable for the day can be tailored to fit the needs of your school and is always negotiable.

Gifted and talented workshop days are also available.

Short or long term residencies will be considered and priced accordingly. Please email for details.

“I haven’t laughed so much since I saw Eddie Izzard – inspiring!”
Claire Waldron, Literacy Co-ordinator, Wolsingham Primary School

“Uproariously unboring!”
Harry, aged 8

 

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Performances can be for year groups and usually last an hour. If there is opportunity for this session to be longer then this is advantageous as it may give chance for questions and answers.
Workshops will be in lesson times and I would normally expect to do three workshops in addition to one performance (or four sessions maximum) during the day.

It is important that the English teacher is present with their own class so that follow-up work can be undertaken. Again, a wide variety of workshops are available from individual to group work.

“Just wanted to say a big thank you for the brilliant day on Friday! The students loved it & are buzzing!
Thank you so much!”
Lucy Edwards, Librarian/Year 7 Pastoral Assistant, St Katherine’s School

 

INSET AND TEACHERS’ CONFERENCES

I am also available for performance and workshops for teachers to give practical guidelines about writing and performing poetry. A wide variety of approaches is available.

This can be as a keynote speaker or a half day / full day conference.

If half or full day – then a variety of practical guidelines will be delivered – based upon the Scholastic publication POETRY, READ, WRITE & PERFORM.

‘Lovely to see ‘The master of rhythm’ at work. Nimble with words as a Strictly dancer, Paul savours the language and uses rhythm to create memorable lines.’

Pie Corbett – Talk for Writing

 

POETRY PACKAGE AND TEACHING GUIDE

A must for teachers! A complete poetry package to bring poetry into your classroom and turn your pupils into poets.

Our revised and updated poetry anthologies each contain more than 60 poems by well-loved writers. Here they are combined with our brand new teacher’s book, full of activities which meet curriculum objectives while getting children rhyming.

Twenty ready-to-go practical poetry workshops linked to the new curriculum
Creative activities to get children writing and performing their own poems
Hundreds of amusing verses by poets including Spike Milligan, Michael Rosen and Allan Ahlberg
Each poetry workshop is based on a specific poem from one of the anthologies
This pack contains ten poetry anthologies plus one copy of the teacher resource book.

Click Here for more info and to purchase.

 

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Over the last few years Paul has had increasing experience working in a variety of schools internationally. Performances / workshops – as mentioned above – are all relevant and it is worth noting that costs will include fees, travel, accommodation and subsistence.

Another point to note : As many of these bookings will necessitate up to a week or more it is advisable to book as early as possible – at least a term in advance but longer to ensure your preferred date.

“The week was amazing and inspiring. He is one of the best authors, motivators and entertainers I have ever hosted in 28 years of being a teacher librarian. The whole school was alive with poetry and laughter.

His energy and generosity in sharing his knowledge and passion with students and teachers really bore poetic fruit. Teachers said students were begging them to let them write poetry for homework.”
Jane Edgar, Librarian, International School of Kuala Lumpur

 

SPECIAL SCHOOLS

Paul has visited many Special Schools over the years and has a vast experience of working in special education. The format of the day would usually be a whole school performance / show followed by shorter interactive workshops.

However, the timetable can be tailored to the needs of each school.

 

BESPOKE PROJECTS

Paul is also available for other projects

Specialist commissions for a one off poem
Patron of Reading
Longer residences with schools / organisations
The Supergoup !
With Patrons of Reading / Reading Champions or the longer residences this allows schools / pupils / teachers to develop a relationship with Paul and tailor the visits in a particular direction. It also allows the pupil’s work to develop over a period of time and Paul can use a variety of workshop approaches that extend the usual parameters of a one off visit.

These projects can also lead to performances for parents and school poetry anthologies. Below is a link to WE ARE WRITERS who do a great job with school anthologies. It’s fantastic and well worth looking into.

writers.scholastic.co.uk