We also gained some information from the Head of AQA Examinations (Tony Childs) himself about the best ways to structure an answer to the Unseen Poetry question on the exam paper.

The event started with readings from poets Carol Ann Duffy and Simon Armitage, who read ‘War Photographer’ and ‘Remains’ (respectively), then succinctly explained the context behind the writing of the poem - valuable information for those studying the Power and Conflict Poetry Anthology. The audience had the opportunity to ask questions, many of which were thought-provoking and provided a new, individual perspective on the poem being recited.

After poetry readings by Daljit Nagra and Liz Berry, we listened to the Examiner Sessions, where the Chief Examiner took us through model answers to the 24 mark and 8 mark Unseen Poetry questions. He meticulously explained what to include in each answer, as the structure of each question can vary, and told us how to manage our limited time in the exam in order to maximise the amount of marks you get.

Following this, Imitaz Dharker recited her poem ‘Tissue’, which is about the fragility of not just human life but bonds between family members, and how easily they can be broken.

To end the event, John Agard performed his rousing dramatic poem ‘Checking Out Me History’, which was met with delight and raucous applause; an explosive ending to an overall brilliant day!

Caitlin Gorman, Year 11