Keynotes for universities by Pep the Poet

Use the buttons below to find the keynote option that’s right for you. Get in touch when you’re ready to book.

Keynotes on Fear

Does fear and anxiety hold you back from reaching your full potential? You're not alone. Millions struggle with self-centred fear and crippling anxiety, hindering their ability to connect, take risks, and embrace life's opportunities.

 This keynote will equip you with powerful tools and strategies to overcome these limitations and step into a life of greater confidence, connection, and fulfilment.

  • More than 1 in 7 UK adults say their mental health is poor.

  • More women than men are currently struggling with poor mental health (18.5% of women vs 12.5% of men).

  • Young people, aged 16-24 are the most affected by mental health struggles, with nearly a quarter (23.5%) describing their mental health as either bad or the worst it’s ever been.

  • In the UK in 2024, the term ‘How to reduce stress’ is searched on Google once every 10 minutes, on average.

Shift Your Perspective

We'll explore the root causes of self-centred fear and anxiety, helping you understand how these emotions can actually be a distortion of reality. Learn to reframe negative thoughts and cultivate a growth mindset.

Challenge Limiting Beliefs

Identify the self-limiting beliefs that fuel your anxiety and fear. Discover practical exercises to dismantle these beliefs and replace them with empowering truths about yourself and your capabilities.

Develop Coping Mechanisms

Equip yourself with a toolbox of effective coping mechanisms for managing anxiety in the moment. Learn relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and how to effectively challenge negative thought patterns.

 

Embrace Vulnerability

Discover the power of vulnerability in fostering genuine connection and reducing self-centred fear. Learn how to connect with others on a deeper level and build stronger relationships.

Take Action Despite Fear

Learn how to move forward even when fear is present. Develop a plan to set and achieve goals, taking calculated risks and embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth.

 

Keynotes on Oracy

Are your students struggling to express themselves clearly and confidently?

In today's world, strong communication skills are more important than ever. This keynote will introduce you to the power of oracy, the art of spoken language, and its transformative impact on student learning.

Oracy—the art of effective spoken communication—is crucial in today's classrooms. It fosters clear expression, critical thinking, and collaborative skills essential for academic success and future endeavours.

Research highlights disparities in spoken language development among students from different backgrounds. As educators, integrating oracy into your teaching can bridge these gaps and enhance overall learning outcomes.

Key aspects covered:

  1. Understanding Oracy's Impact: Learn how speaking and listening skills contribute to cognitive development and academic achievement.

  2. Creating a Talk-Friendly Environment: Cultivate a classroom culture that encourages respectful dialogue and active participation.

  3. Effective Discussion Techniques: Master various formats and questioning strategies to stimulate meaningful conversations.

  4. Oracy Across Subjects: Integrate speaking and listening activities into all lessons to enrich learning experiences.

  5. Assessing and Encouraging Progress: Develop methods to assess student oracy skills, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate their growth.

Embrace oracy to empower students to articulate ideas confidently and succeed in diverse academic and professional settings.

Keynotes on Impostor Syndrome

Imposter syndrome silently affects many student teachers, hindering their journey towards becoming educators. Addressing this issue is crucial for creating supportive environments where they can thrive.

Explore imposter syndrome's impact on student teachers and learn practical strategies to empower them and enhance their classroom effectiveness.

  • Recognising signs of imposter syndrome in student teachers.

  • Understanding its impact on professional growth.

  • Building resilience and boosting confidence.

  • Strategies for universities to foster supportive environments.

Essential for educators and administrators shaping the future of education, this keynote equips attendees to support student teachers effectively.

Pep the Poet an experienced educator and mental health advocate in academia, brings practical insights to empower educators and students.

Testimonials
“We had a brilliant day with Pep the Poet. Our pupils were genuinely enjoying themselves - it was wonderful to see them giggling and getting stuck in!”

— Tracey Dickenson, St Edwards Middle School, Leek, Staffs

“The children absolutely loved their workshop with Pep, he was engaging, made them laugh and we are looking forward to having him back in the future.”

— Jessie Twigger, Winshall Village Primary, Burton on Trent

“Pep’s charisma and positivity was delightful.”

— Zoe Marriott, St Dominic’s RC Primary, Stone, Staffs

“The children love having Pep visit our school. He is vibrant, funny and brings poetry to life for all the children he encounters. He brilliantly engages with even the 'toughest' of reluctant poets.”

— Jenna Kershaw, Teacher, Five Ways Primary, Cannock

“Pep's enthusiasm for poetry was infectious and the children thrived on this. He incorporated his sense of humour so seamlessly into his poetry and it made learning come alive for the children.”

— M. Angus, Teacher, Leamore Primary, Walsall

“Lovely distraction from normal timetable, with some great, descriptive imagery for all, pupils and staff! Thank you for the fun hour, much too short.”

— Neil Humphries, teacher, Hart High School, Rugeley

“We had the most fantastic day. Wonderfully engaging for our Year 7 pupils and they all had so many positive comments following their sessions.”

— Tilly Payton, teacher, Hart High School, Rugeley

“We love Pep's enthusiasm for poetry - it is infectious!”

— L. Brown, teacher, St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Bletchley, Milton Keynes

“Amazing, amazing, amazing.”

— G. Clowes, teacher, Parkside Primary, Stafford

“Thank you for being so empathetic and inclusive to all! We have several additional needs children in Reception and Pep immediately picked up on this.”

— K. McMahon, teacher, Parkside Primary, Stafford

“Pep, you were simply amazing! You captivated the children from start to finish and the buzz for poetry around school was incredible.”

— L. Salter, Dep Head, Parkside Primary, Stafford

“A super day of fun, laughter and learning! Engaging performances really sparked children's excitement and enthusiasm for poetry.”

— F. Snowball, Teacher, County Bridge Primary, Walsall

“Pep is an absolute delight! He brought the sunshine and laughter into our school for both the staff and the children.”

— G. Hodson, Teacher, County Bridge Primary, Walsall

“You have instilled joy in our children surrounding poetry, you hadn’t even left the building and they were attempting some of their own without being prompted.”

— Kira Rouse, Teacher, Ilam Primary, Derbyshire

“An excellent, engaging workshop that had children laughing, rhyming and excited about poetry for days! Thank you Pep!”

— K. Bastable, Teacher, St Andrew’s, Shifnal

“Pep's interaction with the students was superb and I know that they all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

— A Dowell, Teacher, Dingle Primary, Crewe

“Pep will inspire staff and children in your school with his poetry. We have never had so many children writing their own poetry to perform on Poetry Day.”

— J Allen, Teacher, St Mary’s, Wolverhampton

“Children loved Pep's poetry! They were engaged and encouraged positively throughout each session.”

— E. Cope, Teacher, Springvale Primary, Wolverhampton

“A hugely enjoyable visit which really engaged children and showed them just how fun poetry can be!”

— K. Stott, Teacher, Elmore Green, Walsall

How to get in touch