Poetry by Heart

School of Education Senior Lecturer Pamela Lewis was delighted to be one of the judges for the Poetry by Heart South-East regional finals which took place at Brighton’s Jubilee Library last week.

Poetry By Heart was started three years ago by Andrew Motion (past Poet Laureate) to encourage school and college pupils aged 14-18 to learn and to recite poems by heart.

The competition has gained an enthusiastic following among secondary English teachers, engaging young people from diverse social backgrounds and all types of schools in personal discovery of the pleasures of poetry.

The judges not only had the tough job of deciding on the winner but were also asked to perform a poem too!

Pamela said: “Poetry is essentially an aural medium and so I was privileged to be asked to be on the judging panel at this event.  

“I was immensely impressed by the skills of the competitors, their skilful performances and admiration for their ability to communicate complex language and ideas to an audience.”

Find out more about Poetry by Heart.