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Puxi Campus G6–8: In the Age of AI, Why Do We Need Poetry More Than Ever? — A Morning with Simon Armitage: The UK Poet Laureate.

April 10, 2026

On April 7, the HSI Auditorium welcomed Simon Armitage, who delivered a lecture titled “In the Age of AI, Why Do We Need Poetry More Than Ever?” All Grade 7 students, alongside student representatives from Grades 5 and 6, attended and engaged in meaningful exchanges with the distinguished guest.


Mr. Armitage is one of the most influential contemporary British poets. He currently serves as UK Poet Laureate, is a recipient of the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry, and has previously held the position of Professor of Poetry at the University of Oxford. The event was hosted by Mr. Key, Assistant Principal of the English Curriculum, and attended by Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School; Mr. Shen Tianyuan and Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principals; Ms. Hu Bo, Director of the Foreign Teachers' Affairs Office; alongside Grade 6 and 7 supervisors and English Department heads.









I. Keynote Sharing: Why Poetry?

Mr. Armitage began by exploring the central question of why poetry still matters in the age of AI. During the session, he invited AI to generate a poem in his style based on a given theme and compared it with his own original work. Through this juxtaposition, he highlighted the distinction between artificial imitation and human creativity.


While AI can replicate poetic structures and stylistic features, he noted that it lacks genuine emotion and personal thought. It cannot truly read, nor can it form emotional resonance or aesthetic judgement, limiting its ability to access the deeper meanings embedded in poetry. He cautioned that overreliance on AI-generated content risks weakening the essential human processes of experiencing, thinking, and expressing that underpin creative writing.


Mr. Armitage also shared several of his own poems, guiding students through their deeper meanings. In Kid, he uses Robin’s departure from Batman as a metaphor for independence and emotional transition. In Song of the West Men, he reflects on resilience and the human pursuit of freedom under extreme conditions. In Folk Song, he demonstrates how repetition creates rhythm and emotional intensity. His repeated recitation of the closing lines of Folk Song left a strong impression and was met with warm applause from the audience.





II. Round-table Interaction: A Meeting of Ideas

In the interactive session that followed, Mr. Armitage joined Mr. Key and four student representatives—5-7 Derrick, 6-8 Sophia Du, 7-1 Catherine Yu, and 7-6 Raymond—for a roundtable discussion. Students posed thoughtful questions on the writing process, language, and the role of poetry in contemporary society.


Reflecting on his own journey, Mr. Armitage shared that he was first drawn to poetry as a reader, initially working in fields unrelated to literature before gradually committing to writing through sustained reading and practice. He emphasized that authenticity lies at the heart of strong writing, and that natural expression is more powerful than overly ornate language. He also spoke candidly about the challenges he has faced, encouraging students to view revision and reflection as essential to the creative process.On poetry’s relevance today, he noted that in an age saturated with information, poetry offers a rare space for pause and reflection, making it all the more meaningful in the modern world.











During the open Q&A, the discussion broadened to include the relationship between poetry and song lyrics, the impact of AI on visual art, and future career pathways. Mr. Armitage’s responses, both insightful and humorous, fostered a lively and engaging atmosphere.













III. Appreciation and Closing: A Memorable Conclusion

To express gratitude, Mr. Liu Lian, presented Mr. Armitage with a collection of student work and a commemorative gift, while a student representative offered a bouquet of flowers. The event concluded with a group photograph, capturing a memorable and meaningful moment.









As the lecture drew to a close, it left a lasting impression on all who attended. Beyond offering students a rare opportunity to engage with a leading literary figure, the event broadened perspectives and deepened literary appreciation. More importantly, it prompted reflection on the role of literature in an AI-driven world, and on how technology might be used thoughtfully and responsibly. These insights will continue to inform and support students in their ongoing learning and personal growth.


(Written by Peiyao Tang
Pictures by Ginger Xu, Ruolin Yan
Reviewed by Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Edward Key, Ms. Wu Wenyi, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)