Poetry Slam

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Utahloy International School, Guangzhou

The ACAMIS Poetry Slam is a cross-school spoken word event designed to celebrate student voice, creative expression, and performance poetry. Building on workshops with artists such as Luka Lesson and Xannon Shirley, this event provides a platform for students in Grades 6–12 to perform original work in a supportive, competitive, yet celebratory environment.

Utahloy International School Guangzhou (UISG) hosted the inaugural ACAMIS Poetry Slam on 23 September 2026, bringing together young voices from across the region for a day of rhythm, rhyme and creative expression. Designed by UISG poet and educator Edward Steele, the event welcomed students from The International School of Macau, Shekou International School, QSI International School of Zhuhai, and Yew Wah International Education School of Guangzhou (YWIES). The day began with masterclasses delivered by Australian rapper, poet, writer and educator Xannon Shirley, known professionally as The Tongue, and Edward Steele. Ahead of the event, The Tongue also conducted workshops with UISG students and collaborated with them to recreate an unofficial “Utahloy Anthem,” reflecting their lived experiences through their own voices and insights.

The afternoon’s competition saw over 35 students take to the microphone, performing as soloists or in impressively coordinated team acts. Each student offered a unique interpretation and delivery, exploring themes of advocacy, identity, frustration and joy. Beyond the competition, the Poetry Slam became an opportunity for personal growth and connection, encouraging students to overcome nerves, develop their skills and find inspiration in one another’s work. Their reflections highlighted the value of sharing their poetry, discovering different styles of expression and coming together through a shared passion.

We proudly thank the following schools for participating in the ACAMIS Poetry Slam:

The International School of Macau
Shekou International School
QSI International School of Zhuhai
Utahloy International School of Guangzhou
Yew Wah International Education School of Guangzhou (YWIES)

Your enthusiasm and commitment helped create a lively and engaging event that celebrated curiosity, quick thinking, and the joy of learning across disciplines.

Pictures of the Debate

Testimonials

Ombeline, Grade 12, UISG

“I felt really grateful to have the opportunity to work with someone who inspires me, and I got to develop my skills much more and learn many new skills — thanks to Xannon (The Tongue) and the poetry competition.”

Xarina, Grade 12 , UISG Runner-Up High School Division

"I think that I’m a very nervous person, or I’m very self-conscious about my own poetry and my own work. I am not very open about it, but getting to be at the ACAMIS Poetry Slam and see so many different students' express poetry in their own way — I would have never thought to change my style the way some of the other students interpreted theirs. And I heard some really incredible poems that just blew my mind. One even made me cry. They were amazing, and it was amazing to get to see so many age ranges, so many passions, and the things that inspire people to create — or frustrate them."

Margot, Grade 11, UISG

“I found the Poetry Slam very inspiring — to see so many students come together and display their passion. Everyone had very different poems about very different topics they were passionate about, whether to advocate or simply express their feelings. And it was really interesting to see how different everyone’s expression was.”

School Introduction

UISG is Guangzhou's oldest IB continuum school, offering the complete International Baccalaureate pathway from Kindergarten through Year 12. Authorized since 2002, we provide the PYP, MYP, and DP programmes, developing active, compassionate lifelong learners with the skills and intercultural understanding to create a better world. As part of a global community of over 5,700 IB schools, UISG delivers challenging, world-class education that prepares students exceptionally well for post- secondary success.