This case study explores how literature, in particular poetry, can be used as an educational platform within the secondary classroom to explore gender identity. A six-week unit of poetry was created as part of a broader project to enable pupils to reflect on their personal and familial experiences of gender, whilst also utilising creative writing and performance as a tool for self-expression. The all-female class were studied before, during and after the learning process to holistically evaluate their development of gender-consciousness. A key area of focus is the strengths and limitations of the use of performance poetry when developing awareness of gender identity within adolescents.