Poetryclass Introduction

What is Poetryclass?

Poetryclass is a project which aims to enthuse and empower teachers, equipping them with fresh ideas and methods for making the most of poetry in the classroom and across the curriculum. 

Working imaginatively with poetry in the classroom is a very effective way of learning about language and raising standards in literacy, as well as addressing other areas of learning and issues specific to individual pupils and their needs.

Our INSET sessions give teachers an opportunity to 'be creative' and experience the writing process themselves, placing them in the role of the student, with a chance to be stimulated and supported by professional poets. 

Our Poetryclass website also provides free lesson plans, articles, interviews and all kinds of resources for teachers to adapt and use with confidence in their own schemes of work.

Who is involved with Poetryclass?

Based all over the United Kingdon, a team of experienced and published poets, well versed in the problems associated with teaching poetry, advise teachers through INSET training on how to overcome preconceived ideas of poetry as 'stuffy', 'dry' and 'difficult'.

This team was created by teacher-turned-poet, Jean Sprackland, who was Poetryclass project manager from 2000 to 2003. The team themselves have generated written training packs and resource materials which, in conjunction with this website, are dedicated to the discussion of poetry in education.

What can Poetryclass offer teachers?

We have discovered that teachers welcome guidance when it comes to the teaching of poetry, so we have developed our choice of Poetryclass INSET sessions to enable teachers to identify the specific areas in which they'd like to work with poetry. 

We offer a range of specialist INSETs, addressing the needs of the ever changing curriculum. Here are just some of the choices:

  • Teachers as Writers: a workshop focussing specifically on writing, allowing teachers the time away from the classroom to develop their own creative skills in order to build their confidence, and to offer them inspiration to pass on to their pupils.
  • Poetry for Primary Schools – a guide to texts and strategies promoting poetry to improve confidence and literacy at Key Stages 1 and 2
  • Poetry and Imagination at Key Stage 3 – exploring a range of texts at KS3 and how to use drama to bring them to life.
  • Language Laboratory: for teachers who work with EAL students, looking at ways to engage them with poetry, addressing cultural difference and exploring issues of communication, translation and self-identity. 
  • GCSE Anthology – working with poems from the AQA GCSE Anthology to inspire active and effective approaches in the classroom. 
  • PHSE – using themes and issues to explore Personal Health and Social Education through poetry, including emotional health, bereavement and relationships.

  • Citizenship - exploring citizenship through poetry in effective and relevant ways
  • Poetry and Science – exploring cross-curricular links through poetry.

  • Slam Performance Poetry - inspired by our Slam! Londonwide Challenge Competition, teachers are encouraged to motivate and support their students’ learning through performance, particularly those students who are difficult to engage. The workshops focus on the theme of respect and can help support the tackling of social, behavioural and emotional problems.

We also offer bespoke INSETs focussing on specific needs of teachers.

What else is included in the training day?
  • A specially commissioned lesson plan by the poet exclusively prepared for the session and only available to those who attend.
  • A toolkit of tried-and-tested techniques designed to get students thinking, writing, redrafting and editing.
  • Ideas for developing students' oral work and performance skills.
  • Ideas for differentiation and progression.
  • Opportunities to raise questions and concerns.
  • Information about resources, opportunities for publication, competitions, further training.
  • The Poetry Society’s Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award anthologies, posters from Poems on the Underground along with other materials.
  • A copy of one of these highly acclaimed books for each participant - The Poetry Book for Primary Schools (ed. Anthony Wilson) or Jumpstart Poetry in the Secondary School (ed. Cliff Yates)

How much will a Poetryclass session cost?

There are a number of ways in which you, as a teacher, can participate in one of our Poetryclass INSET training sesions. Please see our Book a Poetryclass INSET page for further details.