Remembrance
Remember those who served, sacrificed or lost their lives.
War Poetry invites 4-18 year-olds to explore the themes of war and peace through poetry.
Pupils can respond to something they have learnt about in school, reflect on events past or present, write from another person’s point of view, or draw on their own experiences and feelings.
There’s no set poetry style, line limit or word count, so pupils have the freedom to express their ideas in a way that works for them.
Give them the freedom to choose a direction that interests them:
Remember those who served, sacrificed or lost their lives.
What would a peaceful world look or feel like? They can imagine change, question conflict or send a message about the future.
Explore the bravery, sacrifice or experiences of those serving in the armed forces.
Write about the innocent people affected by conflict or what it might be like when someone you love is serving away from home.
Step into somebody else’s shoes – a soldier, evacuee, child, parent, nurse, refugee or another person affected by war.
Turn a history lesson, class discussion, book, photograph or real event into poetry.
There is no prescribed poetry style and no line or word limit.
Pupils could write:
That means more confident writers can experiment with style or techniques, while pupils who are less familiar with poetry can keep things simple.
The important thing is giving them the opportunity to express what war, peace or remembrance means to them .
War Poetry can complement work on history, remembrance, conflict, citizenship, PSHE or poetry , or simply be used as a standalone creative writing activity.
Pupils can use one of the themes above, respond to something they have learnt in class or choose their own interpretation of war and peace.
There’s no required style or length. Poems can be handwritten or typed.
Once they’re ready, entries can be submitted online, by email or by post .
Taking part gives pupils a real purpose for their writing.
Be published in a special War Poetry book.
Our favourite poet will win a £50 Amazon gift card & a trophy.
Help readers reflect on war, peace and remembrance.
War Poetry gives young people the chance to consider experiences beyond their own, remember the past and share their hopes for the future.
Whether their poem is personal, historical, reflective or hopeful, their words deserve to be heard.
Lest we forget.
