Celebration of Literary Talent at Poetry By Heart Final

Hosted at The Bolsover School, students from Key Stages 2 and 3 marked this significant milestone, being the first-ever poetry competition within the Trust. The event was inspired by the national event 'Poetry By Heart'.

Key Stage 2 competition (Primary) 

The Key Stage 2 competition highlighted an impressive array of poems, ranging from 'The Secret Place' by Dennis Lee to 'The Boneyard Rap' by Wes Magee.

Mr Hall, Executive Headteacher at the host school, said: "The quality of the performances by all students was utterly amazing, reflecting their deep engagement and passion for poetry. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by these young performers was nothing short of inspiring."

After many memorable recitations, the Key Stage 2 round was won by Maya from Palterton Primary School, following a wonderfully animated rendition of the Roald Dahl classic 'Little Red Riding Hood.' 

Special guest performances

During the interval, attendees were treated to special guest performances from previous Poetry by Heart national finalists Gracie-Mae and Matha. Both girls, students at The Bolsover School, had entered the competition in previous years and performed at the national final at the Globe Theatre in London. Their skilful recitations of their poems were superb and captivated the audience. Additionally, an extra performance from Zara, a Year 10 student at The Bolsover School, was thoroughly enjoyed by all, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

Key Stage 3 competition (Secondary) 

The Key Stage 3 competition was incredibly strong, with performances ranging from 'Alligator Problem' by Michael Rosen to 'Sonnet 130' by William Shakespeare. Amongst these talented students, Eden’s performance of an original poem titled 'Above the Pit' left the audience amazed with its profound depth and creativity. After much deliberation from the judges, Jonas from Brookfield Community School was crowned the Key Stage 3 champion for his performance of 'The Listeners' by Walter de la Mare. His exceptional recitation and emotive delivery earned him top honours in this highly competitive event.

 

All finalists received a book of poems with a certificate inside it. The two winners received an individual keepsake trophy and the winning academy received a shield to take back and display for the year.  This will be returned next year to be handed over to the next winner. 

A milestone event 

The Poetry by Heart Trust final was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the incredible talent and dedication of young poets. It provided a platform for students to express themselves and share their love for poetry with a wider audience, and highlighted the importance of nurturing creative expression in young minds, underscoring the Trust's commitment to promoting literacy and arts education.

Mr Hall added: "Special thanks must go to Mr Hallam, who played a wonderful role as compere to the event, using humour and praise throughout to keep the audience engaged and entertained. His lively and encouraging presence added a special touch to the event, making it even more memorable for everyone involved. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff judging panel. Their dedication and expertise were invaluable in making the event a success."

Special thanks to the judging panel 

Mrs Knowles - The Bolsover School

Mrs De Gilbert - The Carlton Junior Academy

Mr Hillyard - The Carlton Academy

Mrs Horsley - Palterton Primary School

Looking forward

The success of this inaugural event paves the way for future competitions and initiatives that will inspire even more students to explore the world of poetry. Our Trust remains dedicated to fostering a love for literature and providing opportunities for young people to display their talents. Next year we plan to expand the event to include competitors from Key Stages 2 - 5, making it an all-phase competition, the first of its kind at Redhill Academy Trust.