Neil Stevens (no relation to the great Roger), started writing poetry when he was 18 years old. Then 6 years ago whilst training to be a teacher he decided, ‘I’m going to take my poetry everywhere I can’! Since then he has worked tirelessly performing/promoting the wonderful world of poetry countrywide. He self published his first book ‘In Bits’ two years ago and offers a ‘poetry show’ based mainly around the book.

As a young poet Neil naturally states, ‘there’s a lot more to come’, but is also humbled by the success he has seen to date. In his own words he states, “It’s such a privilege to have established a career as a performance poet, I love being able to pass on my enthusiasm for poetry to others, it’s completely cool”!

School Visits

For some years Neil has filled up his diary with KS1 (including Reception and Nursery) and KS2 bookings, however in recent times he has taken on KS3 work as well.

‘Practical’ = Neil speaking, Neil performing, Group dramatic involvement.

Groups = Neil generally works with individual classes and year groups. These can be combined in any way a school wishes and so groups’ number between 25 and 120.

Typically Neil spends around 25 to 30 minutes with Nursery and Reception groups and sessions focus mainly on ‘practical involvement’. Occasionally upon request sessions are longer and some group idea storming/writing is undertaken.

KS1 sessions are typically around 30 to 45 minutes and are generally practical. Sessions can also be extended to around 1 hour at the request of the school, so as to allow for writing.

KS2 sessions follow the KS1 format, but are commonly longer being around 1 hr+.

KS3 sessions follow the KS2 format, but are generally ‘focus group’ based.

Differentiation for each group comes from the level of poetry shared with them. Neil also has a passion for African Drumming and so always comes with drums, (just so you know)!

Neil is also available for performances to adult groups (after tackling a few W.I.’s)! This includes Inset Days.

“We had the poet Neil Stevens in school yesterday as part of our book week.
He really ticked the "cool" box for the boys. Everyone enjoyed the interactive stuff and he got the message across to all the children that poetry is for everyone and we can all write it. Would recommend him as value for money! His website is called ‘Poetic Pieces’. He worked with each of our six classes. We planned in hour long sessions for the Year 5 and 6 classes to allow him time to get them doing their own writing.
Other classes had shorter, interactive sessions. Our children are still buzzing about his visit and are seeking out poetry!”
Sue Perks (Bishops Hull School, Taunton). Printed under ‘Somerset Schools Recommend’ in Somerset Council Literacy Newsletter, Issue No.5, November 2008.

“The children were buzzing today coming to school about your visit yesterday. You were certainly an inspiration to them and also to the staff. The poems that they have written as a result of your visit are fantastic and teachers have organised for the children to have a notebook to jot down their poems and ideas. The children would love for you to visit again so I will have to sweet talk the head teacher ready for you to come in the near future.”
Helen Ayers, Staverton Primary, Trowbridge.

“On behalf of us all, may I thank you for a most interesting, exciting and successful day on Tuesday. The children enjoyed your presentations very much and their feedback has been absolutely terrific!!!!! So many of them feel very inspired to carry on writing poetry themselves – long may it last.”
Tereska Taylor – Breaside Preparatory School, Bromley.

“Your poems are so funny; you look like Jim Carey; you should be a comedian on Britain’s Got Talent!”
Various Year 5/6 children – Neil can’t remember which school he was told this in, but just could not forget such a nice/crazy comment!

‘In Bits’ A collection of poems by Neil Stevens.
2006 Poetic Pieces Publishing.
Available directly from Neil when he visits and also available for order.