While poetry can seem daunting, it offers profound insights into human thought and emotion. Poetry encourages students to think creatively and express their thoughts and feelings in unique ways. It allows them to explore language beyond conventional boundaries, fostering imaginative thinking through the use of metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery. As poet Wytovich noted, “Poetry encourages us to put words to feelings that we can't otherwise describe!” Poetry often has an oral tradition, making it an excellent medium for developing public speaking skills. Performing poetry helps students build confidence in speaking before an audience, a valuable skill for future educational and professional endeavors.

We are excited to announce that Britannica will be hosting a poetry slam event, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and performance skills. This event promises to be an engaging and inspiring experience for both participants and the audience.

A poetry slam is a competitive event where poets perform their original works in front of an audience, often with the goal of being judged and scored based on their performance. The poetry slam movement began in Chicago in 1984, founded by Marc Smith, who sought to make poetry more accessible and engaging for the public. This format aimed to revitalise the art form by encouraging participation from diverse voices. Since its inception, poetry slams have evolved into a global phenomenon, inspiring numerous competitions such as the National Poetry Slam and various international events.

We appreciate your support in encouraging your children to participate in this creative endeavor. Poetry slams not only enhance students' confidence and public speaking skills but also foster a love for literature and self-expression. Further information regarding the event will be communicated to parents.

Craig Arnold

Head of English