Pupils at a Lambeth special school marked National Poetry Day with a “special visit” from acclaimed poet and author Patience Agbabi.
Patience shared work from across her four poetry collections with pupils at Vanguard School, a specialist school for autistic children and young people on Lollard Street in Lambeth, on Thursday, October 1.
Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in performances and Q&A sessions with Patience, getting the chance to hear about her work and ask questions about poetry, writing and her creative process.
The acclaimed poet also shared writing from her new novel, Wonderland, which “fit perfectly” with this year’s National Poetry Day theme, Wonder.
“Having Patience Agbabi visit the school was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils,” Steve Carroll, Head of English at Vanguard School, said.
“Poetry is an important part of English, and hearing a poet perform their own work and then being able to ask questions gives pupils a much better sense of how writing is created.
“It was a brilliant way to celebrate National Poetry Day and to show our pupils the creativity and possibilities that poetry can offer.”
Principal Rachael Clements added: “Having Patience visit the school gave our pupils the chance to meet and engage with an established author and poet, and it was wonderful to see their enthusiasm during the sessions.”
