I run poetry workshops in schools and colleges. If you are interested in having me attend your school please contact me at mail@ashdickinson.com. I am happy to provide you with details of costs and lesson plans, and can tailor a workshop to any ideas you may wish to explore. I'm on a crusade to make poetry accessible and relevant, to engage and enthuse the students and help them to have fun with words and language.

Like a number of people I speak to, I didn't particularly enjoy the poetry I was taught at school. It didn't speak to me as a child of school age. Through performance, and entertaining and interesting exercises I aim to challenge common perceptions. It is my aim to inspire, entertain, engage and hopefully provide a day students (and staff) will enjoy and remember.

School Testimonials

“Ash's readings and spin-off activities kept all the students, from years 7 through to 13- and indeed the teachers too!- totally engaged. Living proof that poetry is accessible, thriving and above all, can be fun! A thoroughly enjoyable and valuable experience which we will definitely repeat. Highly recommended” - Lincoln Christs Hospital School, Lincoln

“The creative work inspired by Ash's visit showed a liveliness and sense of audience which students wouldn't have used without seeing Ash perform. Ash's visit was a highlight of the term and students are still talking about it. We would most definitely invite him back again” - William Farr School, Welton

“Ash is a charismatic character. He drew the students into his poems with surprising rhymes and regular beat. The poems, both humorous and ironic, unfurled before a captive audience. Soon the students were creating their own poems” – School Newsletter, St Katherine’s, Pill

“Ash was incredible- the pupils were inspired, his delivery was very entertaining and we've unearthed some unlikely but gifted poets amongst our Year 9 pupils!” - Priory Academy, Lincoln     

“Hi, just writing to say how much I enjoyed the poetry lesson at the Minster School. I thought your poems were great. I don't usually like poetry but your lesson was fun.”- Student, Minster School, Southwell (emailed to my website)

“You came to my school last week. I thought you were really inspirational! I love listening to your poetry!” - Student, William Farr, Welton (emailed to my Myspace page)

“I thought you were ace...you inspired...you are a bit of a genius if you don't mind me saying so" - Student, Lincoln Christs Hospital School, Lincoln (emailed to my Myspace page)

“I just want to say thank you for coming to my school. I really enjoyed your performance and poems. I used to really hate poems but I've tried writing a few of my own" - Student, Thurston Community College (emailed to my website)

“I saw this guy perform at Clevedon sixth form and he was top notch” - Student, Clevedon School, Clevedon (Myspace comment)

“Enjoyed the performance and tasks because he was so laid back, we all felt comfortable performing" - Student, William Farr School

“Thanks so much for coming. I have never been a big fan of poetry but you have inspired me to write it now. FAB!"- Student, Priory Academy, Lincoln

“Yo Ash/ u'z OK/ so here's thanx from 8KA/ ya hair, ya clothes were 70s style/ they go real well wiv ya smile/ and in ya real bling shirt/ ya made our aching sides hurt/ dey woz splittin'/ wiv the rhymes ya woz hittin'/ KFC woz da best/ chicken debris on ya chest/ we laffed when ya spilled ya Coke/ on da pretty lady's coat/ we hope to see you again real soon/ next time- bring da Moon!” - Class 8KA, Lincoln Community College