Clare Mulley (@simply_spiffing), StAnza Poet in Residence 2015 and shortlisted Young Poet Laureate for London 2015, spent the day with the Year 8 scholars running three workshops covering riddles, sonnets and haiku (typically, a three-line observation about a fleeting moment involving nature). Using her own poems as examples, Clare explored different ways of using language with the pupils, before they produced their own work. An example, below, is a sonnet they wrote on the theme of Global Warming.

Future

Imagine a city under the sea:

Rising waters creeping into the streets,

London ruled by fishes - how would that be?

The world in pieces, scattered at your feet.

Watch how we were, look how we used to be -

The break of day over forests and hills,

The beauteous sun not scorching every tree...

Now every new day brings an evil chill.

Here in the dark destructive pool you stand;

The sun can't dry the town that you have killed -

This city was strangled by your own hand.

How could you see it coming, but sit still?

But what do you care?  You're home warm and dry,

Whilst slate grey storm clouds scud across the sky.