David Harmer's poems and stories appear in more than 100 books for children. David also has a number of collections for adults. He was a teacher for 29 years, 15 of them as headteacher of a successful primary school. He has worked nationally as poet, drama specialist and Inset provider in both LAs and schools. David has performed in schools, colleges, theatres and front rooms all over the country. Thousands of children and teachers have become more confident writers through his knowledgeable intervention and guidance. David has an MA in Writing Studies from Sheffield Hallam University where he currently teaches the MA in Writing for Children.

Recent publications include:

(As writer)

The Very Best of David Harmer

Spill The Beans (with Paul Cookson)

Pirate Poems

(As Editor)

I Think My Stepdad Is An Alien

The Prime Minister Is Ten Today

Spectacular Schools (with Paul Cookson)

How To Survive School

A typical day includes a lively, fun-packed performance to all or part of the school, followed by workshops with individual classes or groups. David works alongside teachers to help pupils develop their own work, writing prose, poetry or performance based pieces. There is an emphasis on enjoyment and fun, exploring the enriching possibilities that writing offers everyone.

Drama In The Primary School

David trained as a Drama student and continued to develop his skills and knowledge in Drama throughout his career. He now works extensively in this field, providing high quality Drama work with pupils in schools, modelling strategies outlined in the new Primary strategy and linking Drama to writing. This is especially relevant to schools concerned with the issue of boys and literacy,

'Children will enjoy writing in a range of genres developed from experiencing high quality Drama.'

Inset

David has run a great many Inset sessions and Training Days for LAs across the country, as well as for networks of schools. Much of this work has been in Drama, relating directly to the new Primary strategy and linking Drama to writing. David can also provide Inset work on poetry, for both performance and for the page.

Spill The Beans

David performs during book weeks, at evening events, or in schools, alongside Paul Cookson in the successful performance Spill The Beans. This highly original show is an explosion of performance poetry that guarantees fun for everyone.

'Ten out of ten! Great performance lads!'

Sir Bobby Robson.

Responses to David’s visits to schools:

'Doing drama with David is great and it's fun.'

Liam Y6

'Brilliant'

Gurteak Year 6

'Dead funny'

Paige Y2

'He made me laugh and I liked his poems'

Dan Y9

'An excellent contribution to oracy, literacy and writing throughout the school'

Jill Quinlivan, Primary Headteacher Sandwell.

'David is a very good poet and an excellent performer. I love his work.'

Gaby Morgan Editorial Director, Macmillans Children's Books.

 

Booking Information

Home: S Yorkshire   Travels to: Anywhere   Prices: Price on request   Click here to book