It was wonderful to be able to hold our annual Poetry Speaking Competition in the Bates Hall again this year, following last year’s lockdown poetry. Many children have worked hard on learning and performing a poem from memory, demonstrating a clear awareness of voice dynamics, pace and stage direction.

We heard a whole mix of genres from a wide range of poets including Michael Rosen, Walter de la Mare, Kenn Nesbitt, Roald Dahl and Shirley Hughes. We also enjoyed various musical numbers and group poetry recitals.

Heartfelt thanks to Mr Lee-Browne (Head of English, SVS) and Mr Fewson (Head of Drama, SVS) for being our guest judges.

Well done to all of our finalists this year and special congratulations go to our winners:

1L – Theo H

1T – Luca M

2C – Abiola A

2MD – Zlata L

3J – Phoebe R

3S – Liberty P

4A – Isabella H

4S – Charlie H

5E – Xanthe B

5SB – Olivia Q

6D – Archer R

6E – Lily-Mae S

6S – Eleanor W

You can watch the whole competition here.