Poetry by Heart is a national poetry speaking competition open to all primary and secondary schools in England. The competition has been running for over 10 years and, in that time, has encouraged over 200,000 young people aged 7-18 to learn a poem by heart and ‘share it aloud’.  

Literacy Hive caught up with Aelaha Ahmad, a Year 6 teacher at Berkeley Academy in South West London to find out how Poetry by Heart works in her setting and the benefits of getting involved.

Tell us a bit about Berkeley Academy

Berkeley Academy is a vibrant two-form entry primary school where we hold the belief that every child’s voice has the power to change the world. Our mission is to nurture creativity and curiosity in a diverse community, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and inspired to dream big.

For us, literacy is more than a subject – it is the heartbeat of everything we do. It weaves together the hopes and dreams of our students, reminding them that their words can unlock doors to new worlds. We celebrate every child’s unique voice and encourage them to share their stories, knowing that these stories matter not only in the classroom but in the wider world.

Why did you decide to get involved with Poetry by Heart?

For me, poetry has always been a source of comfort – a way to find beauty amidst chaos and a space where voices, no matter how quiet, can rise and be heard. In a world where conflict and struggle often dominate the headlines – particularly in regions facing ongoing turmoil – poetry offers an escape, a moment of peace, self-expression, and hope.

When I started teaching, I saw children who longed for that safe space to feel seen and heard. I became involved with Poetry by Heart because I wanted to give them that gift – a platform where they could stand tall and let the power of their words take centre stage.

One child in particular stands out for me. They were shy and hesitant, but when they found a poem that resonated with their own experiences, something changed. As they performed, their voice grew steadier, and their confidence bloomed with every word. Watching that transformation was one of the most beautiful moments of my career. Poetry by Heart is not just about reciting lines; it’s about unlocking something deep within each child – a belief that their voices can inspire, that they can move others, and that they truly matter.

Is poetry a big part of your literacy curriculum?

Poetry is more than a part of our curriculum – it is its soul. At Berkeley Academy, we use poetry as a way to reflect the rich diversity of our students and the world they live in. I’ve carefully selected poems that act as both mirrors and windows: mirrors for children to see themselves and their cultures in the words, and windows to help them understand the lives and experiences of others.

There is nothing more moving than watching a child light up when they recognise their own story, heritage, or voice in a poem. I’ve seen students swell with pride as they encounter poetry that validates their identity and celebrates their uniqueness. Poetry builds empathy, celebrates our differences, and binds us together as a community of learners, dreamers, and creators.

How long have you been involved with Poetry by Heart?

I began my Poetry by Heart journey in 2019, during my first year at Berkeley Academy. That year, poetry became a lifeline – for me and for the children. Even as the challenges of COVID-19 turned our world upside down, poetry offered us solace and strength.

Since then, we have celebrated two national finalists, county winners, and countless highly commended performances. But what stays with me most is the courage and growth I’ve witnessed in every participant. Seeing a child evolve from a hesitant whisper to a confident voice sharing their story is a feeling that words can barely capture. It reminds me that, even in the hardest of times, there is always a spark of brilliance waiting to shine.

How do you run Poetry by Heart in your school?

At Berkeley Academy, Poetry by Heart begins with an open invitation in late October – a chance for every KS2 student to discover the magic of poetry. There’s no pressure to get involved, just a warm welcome for all who wish to take part. Teachers help spread the excitement, and soon students are exploring poems that resonate with their hearts.

Every child’s journey is unique. For some, it’s about finding the courage to stand up and speak; for others, it’s about connecting with a poem that feels like home. I run a weekly lunchtime club where I work with each student to find a poem that aligns with their personality, interests, or experiences, and support them as they rehearse. By the time we run the in-school competition in January or February and select our finalists to go forward to the national competition, they are no longer just students – they are storytellers, performers and artists.

One of the most heartwarming moments is seeing their classmates cheer them on, creating a ripple of encouragement and pride that fills our school. Poetry by Heart isn’t just about the competition, it’s about the journey of believing in oneself and discovering the joy of sharing something deeply personal.

What do the children get out of being involved?

For the children, Poetry by Heart is a transformative experience. They gain more than the ability to recite poetry – they gain confidence, resilience and a sense of pride in their achievements.

Even those who don’t make it to the final stages, walk away with something invaluable: the belief that their voices matter. I’ll never forget the sparkle in a child’s eyes as they performed their poem, realising that their words could inspire and move others. For many, this experience becomes a cherished memory, a moment where they felt seen, celebrated and empowered.

What are the benefits for you and other staff members? 

For me, Poetry by Heart is a poignant reminder of why I became a teacher. Watching a child blossom as they connect with a poem and then share it so bravely with others is an indescribable joy.

For the staff, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary potential of our students and to come together as a community. Hearing a child’s voice echo with pride, seeing them stand a little taller, and knowing you’ve played a part in that moment is the kind of reward that stays with you forever.

Would you recommend taking part in Poetry by Heart to other schools?

Without hesitation. Poetry by Heart has opened doors to unforgettable opportunities for our students. They’ve performed at the Globe Theatre, recited in Downing Street on National Poetry Day, and shared a stage with legends like Michael Rosen, Simon Armitage, Imtiaz Dharker, and Coral Rumble.

But beyond the accolades, the most profound impact is the confidence and pride it instils in our children. It is a celebration of young voices, creativity, and the boundless power of words. Every school should experience the magic of Poetry by Heart – it is truly a journey that transforms lives.

Poetry by Heart launches on National Poetry Day every year and runs until the end of the spring term. Registration is free and there are lots of supporting resources available, including a weekly online drop-in session where participating schools can get help and advice directly from the Poetry by Heart team. Find out more about how to get involved in this year’s competition here.