Year 11 pupils attended the Poetry Live! event at Birmingham Symphony Hall on Monday, enjoying an inspiring day focused on GCSE English Literature poetry. Students experienced live performances from a range of poets featured in their GCSE studies, including Simon Armitage, the current UK Poet Laureate. Other poets included Carol Ann Duffy, former Poet Laureate, John Agard, Imtiaz Dharker, Daljit Nagra, and Liz Berry, all of whom brought their poems to life through engaging readings and discussion.

In addition to the performances, pupils benefited from sessions led by chief examiners, offering valuable guidance on exam technique and preparation for the poetry section of the GCSE. The visit was an enriching experience that helped deepen pupils’ understanding of poetry while boosting their confidence ahead of the summer examinations.