(AGENPARL) – Mon 08 September 2025 Plus Katherine Rundell, Manjeet Mann, Emma Smith and more special guests
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
Secondary schools, get inspired this term
Celebrate Black History Month and National Poetry Day, join subject experts to navigate secret maps, US politics and Shakespeare, and discover brand-new online resources.
We have an exciting line-up of free online and in-person events to get you and your secondary classes inspired. Keep reading to see what’s on this term or find the full programme for secondary learners and teachers on our website.
Explore the programme > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFINzSxB2cSE_9fv71T0JxkXf10NQj37Buwiu_GtSJQ-_mhXYlDQ )
Explore Black literature this Black History Month and all year round
Exploring Black British Literature
Free in-person workshops and online resource
Years 10–13
English Literature
In this journey through the timeline of Black British literature students will reflect on the plurality of themes in a variety of Black British texts using digitised manuscripts and recordings from our collection.
Can’t make it to us? Check out our free teaching resource ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIN3SxB0y8QWdZlxQy3wVB3fBca229MtKw0tepOMuxhxGwkgTpQ ) to explore the topic in your classroom.
Book the workshop > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIN7SxB1Z-0d-7LspEgWzfCvfI8WjyZmBoIP6UxefJouvQpCU4Q )
Resources to support an inclusive English curriculum
NEW free resources
Teachers of Years 9–13
English
Explore a selection of brand-new resources, designed to help widen the representation of ethnically diverse authors in the English classroom.
You’ll find expert articles, short films on Andrea Levy’s Small Island and Olaudah Equiano, plus a timeline charting South Asian writing in Britain.
Explore the resources > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIN_SxB2FRaWHe1gCHMQgUBrimMCSDpTXA1YUGg-6xGPwl9bLrw )
Online and hybrid events for students and teachers
Secret Maps with Katherine Rundell
Monday 8 December
Free in-person and livestreamed event
Years 5–9  
English, Geography
Katherine Rundell, the award-winning author of bestselling fantasy series Impossible Creatures, will celebrate wondrous and mysterious maps in fiction with this student Q&A event. Examine our enduring fascination with maps, the secrets they hold and the mythical creatures who inhabit their terrain.
This event is part of a series ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIODSxB2X-yzJa0erqnyqrhCkrL1Snvv1-tn_LlIr2M17NhfAqA ) for schools connected to our latest exhibition Secret Maps, including in-depth study days and more livestreamed events with special guests.
Explore map mysteries > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIOHSxB1rauBAPBqwCAw9QaoBpEvdoSVfTvTPoTkFRJaidyzfYA )
Manjeet Mann: National Poetry Day
Thursday 2 October
Free livestreamed event  
Years 5–9  
English
Celebrate National Poetry Day 2025 with this interactive masterclass and give students an opportunity to find confidence in their own voice.
Manjeet’s verse novel ROAR will be the springboard into an exploration of poetry and agency.  
Book your place > ( events.bl.uk/events/manjeet-mann-national-poetry-day?campaignkw=Manjeet%20Man%20(CTA) )
US Politics Today
Monday 3 and Friday 7 November
Free in-person and livestreamed event (livestream 7 November only)
Years 12–13
Politics
Give your A-Level class the unique opportunity to hear from two former Members of the US House of Representatives – one Democrat, one Republican – who will share historic reflections and current insights in a lively bipartisan discussion.
In-person places are allocated by ballot which closes on Friday 26 September.
Find out more > ( events.bl.uk/events/a-level-conference-us-politics-today?campaignkw=US%20Politics%20Today%20(CTA) )
Teacher CPD: Hamlet in context
Wednesday 12 November
Free livestreamed teachers’ CPD
Teachers of Years 10–13
English
Join Professor Emma Smith and teacher and author Michael Donkor for fresh insights, tips and resources focusing on ideas of theatricality in Hamlet, from the play within the play, to mourning and madness.
This is part of our free mini-series of Shakespeare CPD events. Check out our session on The Tempest ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIOLSxB1QnbnFEQ9jLjj-cQnACDGBX2Bj3oYPyOISBin8MH8U1g ).
Book your place ( events.bl.uk/events/teacher-cpd-hamlet-in-context?campaignkw=CPD%3A%20Hamlet%20(CTA)&_linkgroups=Schools )
Book your 2025–26 school trips to the Library
Facilitated by experienced Library educators and grounded in our collection, all in-person workshops offer learners a chance to develop critical thinking skills and delve deeper into the stories, histories and identities represented by our collection.
All workshops > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Qse2AARjpn7sFIOPSxB0aBM55XC61q3qIGDcOFFDhmPcIOUjB6mq1CnhgDqeiuw )
© 2025 British Library. 96 Euston Road, London. NW1 2DB.
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Image credits: Inclusive Literature: Andrea Levy’s vocabulary chart for Small Island © with the permission of the Andrea Levy estate. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.