POETRY COMPETITION FOR 11-18 YEAR-OLDS
Today you are going to write a
poem for Young Writers’
EMPOWERED competition!
Grab a pen or open Word etc
to make your notes...
Let’s get started!
Learning Outcomes & Success Criteria
for today’s lesson:
To help you write your poem there are some extra
resources. These will help you generate ideas, plan
and write your poem:
You also have different
ways to enter, your
teacher will let you know
which way:
• Student entry form
(printed and completed in
pen)
• Word doc entry form
(type entry into and save
file as your name)
• Online writing portal
(you will be given a
login link by your
teacher and then
Mood Board Activity follow the instructions
Student Info Guide
on screen)
You’re going to watch a short video
to introduce you to the activity:
https://youtu.be/BAa1i458XxY
What is a poem?
A poem is a piece of writing that uses imaginative words to share
ideas, emotions or a story with the reader using techniques such as
imagery, metaphor and simile.
The format of a poem can be short, in verses, long form, using a poetic
form such as a rhyme, an ode or an acrostic.
What does ‘empowered’ mean?
Supporting and encouraging someone to be stronger and confident.
You’re going to watch 4 short spoken word
videos – all of which have the theme of
empowerment to help inspire you...
Video 1 - “Dear Youth” by Zain Askari
Here are some questions for ‘Dear Youth’
Make notes and discuss with your classmates...
• Can you identify any rhyming couplets?
• Can you identify rhythm?
• What message did you interpret from the poem?
• How did it make you feel?
• Did you like or dislike the poem? Why?
Video 2 - “Maybe” by Harry Baker
Here are some questions for ‘Maybe’
Make notes and discuss with your classmates...
• Can you identify any repetition?
• Can you identify any rhyming couplets?
• Can you identify allusion?
• Can you identify any imagery?
• What message did you interpret from the poem?
• How did it make you feel?
• Did you like or dislike the poem? Why?
Video 3 – “Is It Okay To Be Different?” by Mark Grist
Here are some questions for ‘Is It Okay To Be Different?’
Make notes and discuss with your classmates...
• Can you identify any symbolism?
• Can you identify any rhyming couplets?
• Can you identify any personification?
• What message did you interpret from the poem?
• How did it make you feel?
• Did you like or dislike the poem? Why?
Video 4 - “I Am Limitless” by Lina Abojaradeh
Here are some questions for ‘I Am Limitless’
Make notes and discuss with your classmates...
• Can you identify any rhyming couplets?
• Can you identify any repetition?
• Can you identify any metaphors
• What message did you interpret from the poem?
• How did it make you feel?
• Did you like or dislike the poem? Why?
Inspiration Station
Current affairs – what do you agree or disagree with? What would you change?
The environment – climate change, extinction, destruction of natural habitats,
animals in captivity, etc.
Identity – what do you stand for? What makes you, you?
Education – what would you change? What do you hope to achieve? What is school
like for you?
Image – how does social media impact your thoughts on self-image? How do you
empower yourself and others with looks, style and self-acceptance?
Equal rights – do you feel equal? What would you change? Can you give a voice to
someone or something that can’t stand up for themselves?
Religion – what does religion mean to you? Are you religious? Do you feel
misunderstood or misrepresented? How can you change others’ perceptions?
Idols – who do you admire? How does your idol empower them?
Hopes, dreams and ambitions - who do you aspire to be? How will you achieve this?
Poetry Prompts – optional ideas to kick-start your poem!
• Write a poem to your past/future self…
• You have the power to stop global warming…
• To the class of 2021... write a graduation speech...
• You’re a teacher for the day…
• Why is it important to be yourself?
• You’re the spokesperson for a movement you feel strongly about…
• Write a letter to a person who inspires you…
• What are your favourite things about yourself?
• What gives you confidence?
• Empower your family or friends – what do you love about them?
• What has been your proudest moment or achievement?
• What are you excited about?
• You’re the prime minister for one day...
• If you had a magic wand, what would you do?
• Where do you feel most alive?
• If you could have anything, what would you want?
Let’s Get Lyrical!
A lyric poem expresses feelings about something the poet is passionate about.
It can be in any poetic style – this means you can all have a go at writing a
poem, and it will empower you as it’s your interest, your words and your way
to express yourself.
The subject you choose could be anything, from a hobby or your idol to the
suffering and injustice in this world.
What matters to you?
Dear Future Me
I wonder who you’ve become.
Do you wake up excited for the day,
or does the weight of the world sit heavier than it used to?
Have you followed the paths we once imagined,
or did you carve out something new,
something unexpected, something better?
I hope you still find joy in small things—
the way rain sounds against the window,
the smell of old books,
the way laughter fills a room and makes everything feel lighter.
I hope you’ve learned that mistakes are not the end,
that failure is just a step, not a wall.
That you are more than your achievements,
more than the expectations of others,
more than the doubts that whisper when the lights go out.
If you feel lost, remember this:
You have made it through every hard day so far.
You have found light in the darkest places.
You have been enough, always.
So keep going.
I believe in you.
Always,
Me
Unsocial Media
Put down your phone and open your eyes,
Friendships are made from what's inside.
Put down your phone and open your mouth,
The words we speak are more kind and thought out.
Put down your phone and open your ears,
Listen to the real pleas of your peers.
Put down your phone and read these words,
People's stories are desperate to be heard.
Not in a text, a Snapchat or a TikTok,
With a smile, a voice, not a screen to mock.
Put down your phone before it's too late,
Social media creates lots of hate.
Put down your phone and talk to your friends,
Remember to be sociable until the end.
By Oliver Groom (12)
The Glass Figure
I see him standing there
A figure of iron-bound glass
His shadow upon the wall
Of words they thought would last
His tears yet run freely
But I turn to the brighter sun
In a garden of hope and light
That from the past has sprung
I take his hand, this younger me
And we turn from scolding gaze
I show him the new schoolyard
Away from primary haze
Their spite fades from my mind
And much clearer do I see
This glass figure will not break
This figure who was me.
By James Mitchell (12)
It’s time to get
writing your poem!
Ask your teacher any questions you may have now...
Peer Assessment Time!
Work in pairs and read your poem to your
partner.
Your partner is to provide feedback; something
they like about your poem and a suggestion on
how it could be improved.
Once feedback has been given & received, allow
make any changes to your work before handing
it in to your teacher.
It’s time to submit your work to your teacher
• Hand in your poem if you've written your poem out on paper or the entry form.
• Email or send your work to your teacher if completed at home.
• Click on 'finish' if using the Online Writing Portal.
Make sure your name and age are on your work!
