A-level English students were given a unique insight into the work of two the UK’s most acclaimed poets at a special Swansea University event.
More than 180 students from schools and colleges across South Wales enjoyed a question and answer session with former Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy before being treated to readings by renowned poet and academic Owen Sheers.
A-Level Poetry Live! – one of an annual series of events held across the UK - aimed to inspire and prepare A-level English Literature students ahead of their exams. The youngsters received guidance and advice not only from the poets but also from leading examiner Tony Childs who shared crucial exam success skills.
Owen Sheers, whose work is featured on both A-level and GCSE syllabuses, is Professor in Creativity at the University’s School of Culture and Communication. He said: “Having been involved with Poetry Live! for many years it's been wonderful to bring such a valuable experience of poetry and education to Swansea, especially as the founder of Poetry Live! Simon Powell is an alumni of the University.”
The event at Taliesin Arts Centre featured a special talk on Shakespeare by Dr Sally Barnden from the University’s English Literature and Creative Writing department and participants were also able to enjoy workshop sessions with some of the University’s PGCE English student teachers.
Among those in the audience were Emily Hounsell who studied PGCE English at Swansea and is now a teacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman. She said: “It was very rewarding. Bringing pupils back to my own university and letting them learn directly from poets is incredibly powerful – it makes literature real and helps them imagine their own futures in spaces like this.
“Hearing from poets brings literature to life and inspires pupils to see what they can achieve.”
Find out more about studying English Literature and Creative Writing at Swansea