Type of Artist:
Poet/Author
Poetry writing workshops inspired by a Class topic theme, or writing idea. Poetry to Music/Art workshops: Composing poetry inspired by music/Art, readings, activity. I am very flexible and am used to teacher liaison.
Reception-Year 8
No maximum number for performances/assemblies. Workshops are best for class sized groups.
Three
Sessions are usually timed around break times and lunch.
Anywhere as long as expenses are met.
Train and car @45p per mile
I hold a current Enhanced DBS and am registered with the Update Service.
Yes
Where Do Wishes Go
''Debra was a fantastic visitor and an incredibly inspiring poet. From the start to finish of every workshop she was engaging, passionate and attentive. Debra was a natural when working with the children. She delivered differnet workshops to each age group and varied her content and approach accordingly. Each workshop included discussions about poetry they enjoyed, a chance to read and perform poems and an opportunity to compose their own poetry. What was really special baout Debra's visit was the way she connected with the children. She ensured each child felt seen and heard and opened up their minds to the fact that poetry does not need to be formally perfect or composed, that poetry can really be 'just the thoughts in your head'. This concept really freed the children and enabled them to write so openly and creatively. Afterward, all the children were buzzing with ideas and keen to keep writing. Moreover, in the lead up to her visit, Debra sent through a detailed plan of her day and was responsive and quick to adapt where needed. We couldn't recommend Debra more!'
Parkgate House School, London
'We asked Debra to come and visit our school for World Book day to inspire the children to enjoy listening to, performing and writing poetry. It was such an amazing day! Debra wasn’t even put off by our size – 5 classes in each year group. She performed to groups of 150 children throughout the day and even included small groups of children at lunchtime! Throughout the day, Debra had children wanting to talk to her about her poetry and share their favourite ones, even show her the poems they had written by the end of the day! She made time for every child and they loved it! Debra, we loved your visit, thank you for coming.
KS2 Lead, Fernwood Primary, Nottingham
At the start of the year, Debra visited our school and delivered a whole school assembly and Year 3 and 4 workshops. Debra's assembly suited all ages from reception to year 6 perfectly; she engaged all of the boys and had them laughing hysterically at her poems. Her workshops were designed specifically to suit the children's ages and abilities. In an hour, every child, no matter their ability, had created their own poem. The children were incredibly inspired and wrote some of the most beautiful poetry that we'd ever seen them write. Many of our children enjoyed purchasing and reading Debra's books and we have some copies in the library which are very popular.
Head of English, Guildford Prep School
'I just wanted to say a huge thank you for your visit to Pineham Barns. The staff and pupils really enjoyed the day. Pupils wanted to carry on with their poetry for the rest of the day! All of the children were so engaged and you created a real buzz! You were fantastic and the children loved your workshop! We hope to see you again next year.'
Teacher, Pineham Barns Primary School, Northampton.
On Thursday some of our gifted writers from Years 5 and 6 became poets for the day at a recent poetry writing workshop. They were given the opportunity to work with the highly accomplished, Debra Bertulis.
The day focused on poetry and performance poetry. The children learned about rhyme, rhythm and punctuation, and also discussed literary terms such as personification and alliteration. The day was lots of fun as well as very educational and the children looked at the importance of having fun with words and poetry. The children were given the opportunity to write freely using their own imaginations as far as possible.
During the day the children composed their own poems, edited and redrafted them and then shared them aloud with the group. Their outstanding work was really taken from the page to the stage!
(Our Lady of Fatima School, Birmingham)
My performances are interactive, with lots of pupil engagement. I choose a variation of poetry styles and mood to highlight the diversity of poetry.