Poetry holds a special place in the British curriculum, offering a wealth of educational and personal benefits for secondary students. Engaging with poetry not only enriches students’ language skills but also nurtures their creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. One key benefit of studying poetry is the development of advanced literacy skills. Poetry challenges students to analyze language, rhythm, and form, enhancing their understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and figurative devices. This deep engagement boosts comprehension and writing abilities across all subjects. Furthermore, poetry encourages creative expression, giving students a voice to explore complex emotions and ideas in unique ways. This creative outlet supports mental well-being and helps build confidence in communication. It also fosters an appreciation for cultural diversity by exposing students to a range of voices and perspectives from different historical periods and backgrounds.

The COBIS Poetry Competition is an international poetry contest organized by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS). It provides a wonderful opportunity for young writers from British international schools around the world to showcase their creativity and literary talents by writing poems based on annual themes. The competition awards prizes and recognition, with winning poems sometimes published on the COBIS website and presented at events such as the COBIS Annual Conference. It engages students from various year groups in a global platform that promotes creative expression, empathy, and poetic skill development.

A heartfelt congratulations to every student who submitted their work to the COBIS Poetry Competition. Sharing your writing is sharing a unique piece of your perspective, and we are deeply impressed by the courage and creativity you have all demonstrated. Special commendations go to Rania from Year 9 and Jessica from Year 11, who went above and beyond by submitting multiple poems. Your dedication and passion for poetry are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing your success in the competition.