How well could you memorise and then perform a favourite poem? This challenge was faced by all the students in Year 7 as the term came to an end, with the long-awaited return of the ‘Poetry by Heart’ competition.
The Grand Final of the contest took place in the Library, with two representatives from each of 11 classes. Following class heats these students were nominated as a result of their performance. Ahead of the event teachers in the English faculty held a special workshop for the finalists, helping them with the art of performance poetry. Examples of famous poets, together with previous winners in school provided the encouragement needed to the students to do their best in this year’s event.
For the final, students were offered the choice of eight poems, but were also welcome to choose their own or even include something they had written themselves. The quality of performance proved impressive, from a group who were doing so for the first time.
After everyone had performed, judge Mrs Longley gave all the students excellent feedback on their performance. Teacher of English Mr Hedge said, “The judges were given a difficult task in choosing a winner with so many strong performers. We felt it was important to reward all the finalists – there were medals and a poetry anthology for all the nominees – but in the end there had to be a winner.”
Or two in fact! Many congratulations to our Poetry by Heart Champions 2022, Zeeshan and Abdul who took home their trophies as well as two books, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and Raven’s Gate by Anthony Horowitz. Special mentions too for their excellent performances to Syed and Muzammil.