Shaking Up The Curriculum: Westminster Under’s Inaugural Poetry Slam

Westminster Under School recently switched things up with its inaugural Poetry Slam, replacing the traditional reading competition with a vibrant celebration of original pupil writing and performance.

This curriculum innovation saw pupils across all year groups crafting and performing pieces around tailored themes – from Greek mythology to questions of identity and conflict – reflecting genuine personal expression rather than just recitation.

‘Taking this risk truly paid dividends,’ noted Mrs Chacksfield, Head of English. ‘The results were astonishingly varied and compelling.’

The evening featured distinguished guests John Agard, whose works feature in GCSE curricula, and Joshua Seigal, whose familiar presence at the School continues to inspire. Agard’s closing remarks highlighted how language, when properly nurtured, bridges arts and sciences rather than dividing them.

Westminster Platform programme participants added further depth, developing and performing pieces during their specialised Saturday lessons.

‘Poetry Slam offered an uplifting celebration of written expression,’ remarked Mrs Jefferson, the Master. ‘The confidence gained through developing and sharing one’s own creative voice proved transformative.’

This fresh approach to literary education was a powerful testament to the school’s educational philosophy. Read on below for some examples of poems performed by students at the Poetry Slam:

Hades by Zain (Year 3)

Swallowed by his father, Cronos,
Like all of his brothers and sisters before.
Zeus rescued his brother
And started the sibling war. 

Zeus captured the Titans,
Not knowing what would come next.
Hades ruled the underworld,
Deep beneath the surface.
Cave of lost souls
Long since forgotten. 

Down, down, down beneath the Earth,
Hades’ kingdom is there.
Without company.
All alone and aloof is Hades,
With his terrifying dog, Cerberus. 

The River Sytx flows deep and wide,
Hades lurks on the southern side.
Caron, the boat-man is waiting for you.
Hopefully you will never meet him.
Just remember to have a gold coin if you do…

In My World by Vyom (Year 7)

In my world,
My flag is an Indian flag
Combined with an English one.
A blue Indian wheel with a red English Cross
Overlapping each other.
In my world, You can drink tea With samosas and chutney.
The irresistible spice of the samosa Mixing with the tangy milk of tea.
In my world,
Big Ben is on the
Same skyline as the Taj Mahal
The Royal Observatory with
The Gateway to India.
In my world,
You can go pond dipping
In the iconic River Ganges.
You can cleanse in the Thames
Like it is a holy place.
In my world, India and England
Are equal like one and एक.
They are different ways of saying the same thing:
A part of me.