Spoken Word Power - Criterion Theatre

There are experiences that we try and give children here at Dairy Meadow that are truly unique - Wednesday 18th March 2026 was a day that our Year 5's will never forget!

Our Year 5 pupils recently enjoyed an inspiring trip to the Criterion Theatre in London’s West End, where they took part in Spoken Word Power—an exciting programme supported by the charity Eastside.

The visit gave children the opportunity to explore the art of spoken word poetry in a professional theatre setting. Under the watchful eye of our poet in residence, Shaniqua Benjamin, the workshop encouraged pupils to experiment with language, rhythm and performance, helping them to find their voice and express their ideas with confidence.

Throughout the session, pupils worked collaboratively to write and perform their own pieces, drawing on their thoughts, experiences and imaginations. It was fantastic to see their creativity flourish, as well as their growing confidence in speaking aloud in front of others.

The experience not only supported our writing curriculum but also helped develop key skills such as communication, self-expression and resilience. Many pupils commented on how much they enjoyed performing on a real stage and feeling like professional poets for the day.

We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and courage shown by our Year 5s, and we are grateful to Eastside for providing such a memorable and enriching opportunity.

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