As part of National Poetry Day, Tormead’s young poets were joined by award-winning author Sarah Crossan as they took part in a poetry slam competition. Students from Years Seven-Nine recited their original poems in front of an audience before Sarah judged a winner from each year group. We were then treated to a lively and entertaining talk from Sarah about the delights of poetry as well as having copies of her most recent poetry collection, Tomorrow is Beautiful, signed.

Here is what Charlotte had to say about the event:

“When I was asked to write the poem, I was quite sceptical because I felt like poetry wasn’t for me. I decided to write my poem about COVID-19 because it is something everyone has been affected by, but I never thought I would get shortlisted! I was very nervous before the competition, but also excited to hear everyone’s poems. The Year Sevens started and their poems were really good! The Year Eights were great too, and then my go came. To read your poem, you would go onto the stage to the lectern. It was really nice reading my poem out because everyone was so supportive and respectful. After everyone’s poems were read out the winners were announced by Sarah Crossan. There was one winner in each year and the winners all received a copy of ‘Tomorrow is Beautiful’ (Sarah’s most recent book). Sarah then gave a talk about poetry and how it is much more interesting than you might think! It was unexpectedly funny and demonstrated how poetry is all around us. It also proved how poetry is for everyone, and is more interesting than many people believe it to be. Some of her books were being sold as well. I bought Sarah’s book ‘One’, and so far I have loved reading it. Overall, I loved it and really enjoyed meeting Sarah.“