Written by Viva, Year 11

On the 28th of November, all of Year 11 went to the Apollo Theatre in Victoria to experience a day of poetry. 

We listened to the works of notable poets such as Simon Armitage, Carol Ann Duffy, Owen Sheers, Daljit Nagra, and John Agard, some of whom are on our GCSE English Literature specification. 

These poets read their poems, from both the specification and otherwise, and also read other works like radio dramas. Hearing these works read by the poet themselves was an eye-opening experience, and helped understand the poems more deeply. We also had two sessions with the Chief Examiner, who explained to us how to answer unseen poetry questions. 

It was really lovely to spend a day immersed in poetry, to hear both familiar and unfamiliar works being read by some of the best contemporary poets, and it was a huge privilege to have the opportunity to ask some of these poets about their work. 

We also had an amazing opportunity to hear a current HBS student read her poem on the stage – Saanyakta in Year 12 last year won the Simon Powell Poetry Prize, and as a result she read her poem. It was inspiring and moving to see her on stage, and a real moment of pride for HBS. 

Overall, the day both increased our knowledge of the poems we are studying and also deepened our love for poetry and literature; this unique opportunity to hear the poems from the poets themselves was enriching and wonderful, and a real treat.

Many thanks to Mrs. Garth and the English Department for providing us with this wonderful opportunity.