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Programme

Young City Poets (London)

Added 01 Sep 2023 | Updated 02 Nov 23

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Get involved

This project is aimed at groups of reluctant writers in Years 5 to 9 from state schools with over 22.5% of pupils receiving free school meals.

Complete our expression of interest form.

If you have any questions please contact Sophie Kirk Parker.

The programme

The Young City Poets’ process of creating memorable experiences to help bring writing to life, lively guided discussions, collaborative and individual writing activities led by professional poets, and publishing and performing tasks, enables pupils to engage with literacy on their own terms in a way that also meets national curriculum requirements for writing.

Every school participating in Young City Poets is provided with support to use our three-pillar approach to writing to galvanise students’ engagement with poetry.

Schools will receive

  • A teacher briefing focusing on using our three-pillar approach to writing to inspire reluctant writers
  • A memorable experience for students
  • A visit from a poet to work with the class on writing and performing original poetry
  • Membership of the National Literacy Trust worth £100 with access to courses and resources to support literacy teaching in school
  • The opportunity for students to perform their poetry in front of a live audience
  • A chance for students to be published in an anthology.

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"A student came into YCP feeling indifferent towards the project and poetry itself. 'Poetry is boring, why am I here?' They then went on to go on the trip, play an active part in the visiting poet workshop, sent me work to edit and went on to perform at St. Paul's with arguably the best poem of the group."

London Teacher

We ask that...

  • You deliver at least one lesson with your class (lesson plans are provided)
  • You nominate and ensure the inclusion of your students in the performance and publishing opportunities
  • You and your students complete the post-project evaluation survey

"The Young City Poets project provided our students with the remarkable experience of viewing the city of London through the lens of art."

London Teacher

Our cultural partners

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