Poet Educator
Schools:
Key Stages 2 and 3
I am a poet and literary cultural educator who has taught in schools since 1997 internationally.
Poetry, music, drama and performance are powerful ways to communicate some of the world's best and most challenging stories.
I have utilized all four to share the gift of art with audiences of all ages, and have worked with pupils aged 9 to 14 and students aged 15 to 25, and Life-long Learners.
Zena has worked extensively in schools and educational institutions around the world. From Portugal to South Africa, she has collaborated with organizations such as the British Council, Boomsatsuma The Faith and Belief Forum (formerly 3 Faiths Forum), Clore Leadership, and theatre producer and director Matt Schmolle. Using powerful poetry, drama, traditional storytelling techniques, music, and song, Zena has taught and led workshops where participants actively notice the transformative power of creative writing self-expression.
Zena is a knowledge-sharing expert. She is animated in any space where there is an opportunity to exchange wisdom and information, bringing vibrant energy to the learning experience.
"My pedagogy sparks a lifelong love for language in students, pupils, and participants aged 10 and older.
Language is my go-to medium for building resilience, emotional, and social awareness.
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Over the decades I hace hone an educational practice aims that aims for excellence, that inspires confidence, encourages critical thinking, and nurtures the next generation of thoughtful, articulate leaders."
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- Zena Edwards
Previous Experience
Burntwood School, London
Barbican - Can I Have A Word?, London
Benenden School For Girls
Boomsatsuma - Borderlines Cultural Exchange - Portugal
Highgate Wood School, London
Kew Youth Take Over - Kew Gardens
The Nobel School, - Stevenage
The Philosophy Foundation - Thoughtings, London
Castleview School, Essex - Poetic Debaters Project
Cornelius Vermuyden School, Essex - Poetic Debater Project
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Schools Work
Universities & Colleges
Oxford University, Oxford
University College London - Human Code, Computer Tongue​
Kings College Univesity - The Fury Project
Bath Spa University - Follow the Sun: Transnational Literature
Marlborough College, Wiltshire
Alternative Education Spaces & Provision
Open East School, London
Voices That Shake, London
Clore Leadership, London
Downview Prison For Women, London
North Broadsides Theatre, Halifax
Young Identity, Manchester
Education Project Founder
Voices That Shake
Co-Founder with Platform London & Liquorice Fish
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The Poetic Debaters Project
Sole founder and project developer, facilitator and curator
Contact Zena For Education Work
Get in touch so we can start working together.
