RHYTHM and language were the order of the day when a published writer gave a workshop to pupils at Beaminster School.

Youngsters in years 7, 8 and 9 were inspired by a workshop and talk in their English lessons by Michael Forester. The event was organised to celebrate National Poetry Day.

Michael’s works include “Dragonsong”, “The Goblin Child” and “If it wasn't for that Dog.” The title of his workshop was called 'A Journey to the Land of Risk' and teachers said it really stretched and challenged students in terms of their imagination and how to structure poetry using extended vocabulary. During lunch Michael also delivered a performance of his work to staff and students in the Library at Beaminster School.

Mr Forester said: “It was a wonderful day at Beaminster and the students were a credit to themselves, their parents, staff and to the school. I really did enjoy the day and would therefore like to come in and talk to the Sixth Form in the future.” 

The new Head of English and Drama at Beaminster, Mark Chutter, added: "This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with a professional writer and to ask pertinent, independent questions about the art of using language in order to create important philosophical and political messages for society. Many thanks to Michael for such an inspirational day."

Other events around the school for National Poetry Day included lessons across the school starting with either a poem or lyric, Year 7 students having a go at writing haiku poetry in French (haikus are poems of three lines totalling 17 syllables: the first line is five syllables, the second line is seven syllables, third line is five syllables), and a poem in Latin by Virgil studied by a Latin group.