How did you hear about the Brit Writers’ Awards?
The poem she had written showed a maturity and wit way beyond her years. I looked for a kind of ‘Master Class’ to give her support. In contacting two or three universities, who do not run programmes for young children it was suggested that I ‘trawl’ the web. One of them may have mentioned BWA by name or it might have been the first one that I contacted. I left the poem with them, asking for some suggestions and the rest was entirely generated by them.
What makes Robyn’s poetry stand out from the crowd?
The ideas and descriptions she juxtaposes create vivid images, and she is funny. It is not just in writing poetry she can come up with a good imagery, her writing generally is of a very high standard. She seems however, sometimes, to be able to ‘touch the emotions’ of the reader, which is rare at her age.
Do you write poetry yourself?
No, I love reading it though.
As a teacher, how do you inspire creativity in your pupils?
Often through Drama; through reading books and stories that ‘grab’ their imagination, by abandoning books that don’t, explaining that it is ok not to finish a story if they are not enjoying it. Children respond to an exciting stimulus, so sometimes an outing or a school visit also produces good writing.
Do you find that most children have the pre-conception that poetry is boring and old-fashioned, or do you think poetry is finally shedding this stereotype?
I think that generally children love funny poetry and rhyme, however, when they are introduced to more challenging poetry, of Ted Hughes say, or the classics, that is when many find it hard to understand and consequently become ‘bored’. Narrative poetry seems to be easier for children to engage with even when it is challenging e.g. The Highwayman. I think this is because they can understand the ‘story’ and the use of language becomes irrelevant to them.
Does your school host poetry / creative writing workshops with poets / authors to help engage and inspire pupils?
Sometimes, during ‘book week’, or occasionally to support a particular topic, but not regularly and probably we would like to do more. (It can be expensive!)
As Robyn is moving on to secondary school, will her success be used to inspire future pupils?
Yes, however I am not sure how much. We do plan to put a copy of the poem, together with a photograph of Robyn and a copy of an article in the local paper on display in our entrance hall. This will generate discussion because we will be able to say “Do you remember...?” and take children to see it. Hopefully this will inspire some children. If anything else happens to her, then I am sure it will be a topic of conversation and this will help too.
As a teacher supporting a pupil with a talent for writing poetry, do you find there are limited avenues for pupils like Robyn to showcase their talent?
YES! Until Brit Writers’ Awards Unpublished showed an interest it was hard work.
For any young writers out there who enjoy writing poetry, but may not have a teacher like you, what can you suggest they do to get recognition for their work?