GCSE Poetry Live & Footloose Trip

Last Monday we took over 70 pupils on a 'literature extravaganza!'

Our first stop was Poetry Live at the enormous Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. It was so exciting being in the huge auditorium knowing the poetry we've studied for 18 months would be brought to life and we had the added bonus of examiner hints and tips sections. 

Violet, Year 11, who attended said "This part of the trip was super interesting and it was so refreshing to hear about the poets' views from the poets themselves - different than in class. We were a bit star struck at first but we were able to make notes and get some fresh ideas."

Josh B, Year 11, said "It gave me a lot on context - I didn't know about Carol Ann Duffy's relationship with photographer Don McCullin so that helped me a lot and I was able to include that in my exam on Tuesday."

We saw aforementioned Duffy, Imtiaz Dharker and the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage, performed some of his best loved poems including 'Mother, any distance' and of course 'Remains' which a lot of students cite as their favourite poem on the anthology due to its gritty war themed content. 

The second leg of the trip included some free time and a slap up meal in the Deansgate district. 

Violet said "That part was fun, it was nice to have a fun, relaxed meal while we chatted about the poetry and the ideas from the day time session."

The bumper day was rounded off with a 'just for fun' trip to the theatre to watch Footloose at Manchester Opera House

Josh said "I really enjoyed it we thought it was great". Violet added, "We had such great seats for the evening show; we really thought it was great."

Josh summarised by saying "the late night was so worth it."

The students' behaviour was impeccable and we were complimented by the Bridgewater Hall staff who thought our cohort were second year 6th formers as they were so studious, smart and well mannered! It's everything you want in a trip - perfect behaviour, fun and educational value - roll on next year!

Parents of Year 10 & 11 Literature students can read about the full poetry anthology online at ...

https://tutor-in.co.uk/aqa-power-and-conflict-poetry-gcse-english/  or on YOUTube with the ever popular Mr Bruff at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_Gv4qtkm_k

...and support their sons and daughters by helping them to revise from their 'Power and Conflict' revision guides, available for discounted purchase from school, see Mrs Gidden for details.