Exceptional poetry performances amaze at Trust’s Poetry by Heart final

Now in its second year, the competition showcased immense literary talent across the Key Stages, with outstanding performances from Year 2 pupils through to Sixth Form students. Inter-house competitions at each academy in recent weeks determined an overall school champion who went on to compete in the Grand Final.

Contestants captivated the audience and panel of judges with confident interpretations of poems of their choice, performing the words of Roald Dahl, Lewis Carroll and Walter de la Mare among others.

Others took inspiration from anthologies explored in the classroom, reciting well-known works by Wilfred Owen, Jane Weir and William Shakespeare, whilst a number of finalists amazed with powerful original compositions that explored a range of thought-provoking themes.

Judges commented on the exceptional standard of this year’s entries, reflecting the commitment, passion and time students had dedicated to choosing, learning and practising their individual poems.

Mr Hall, Executive Headteacher at the host school, said: “Our Trust Poetry by Heart Final was simply outstanding. Seeing 46 students from KS1 to KS5 perform with such confidence and skill was incredibly inspiring. The standard of poetry recitation was remarkably high. We are very much looking forward to Poetry by Heart 2027.” 

Mr Hallam, Literacy Coordinator at The Bolsover School, said: “This year’s Poetry by Heart competition was something really special. We had students stepping up to share poems that meant something to them—some performing their own original poems, others taking on powerful classics from voices like Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou and John Agard."

"It was an absolute pleasure to host the event and witness how incredibly talented the pupils are across the Redhill Academy Trust. If this is where the competition is now, we can’t wait to see what next year brings."
 

Special guest performance

During the interval, former student at The Bolsover School and Poetry by Heart 2023 national finalist Gracie-Mae shared her inspirational original poem ‘Where do I fit in?’, previously performed at the national final at the Globe Theatre in London.


The Winners

KS1 – Jackson, Scarcliffe Primary School (‘Please do not feed the animals…’, Robert Hull)

KS2 – Beatrice, Palterton Primary School (There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly, Anonymous)

KS3 – Ged, The Redhill Academy (Dulce et Decorum est, Wilfred Owen)

KS4 – Victoria and Kehinde, The Oakwood Academy (Garment of Remembrance, an original poem)

KS5 – Esther, Redhill Sixth Form (The Applicant, Sylivia Plath)

All finalists received a poetry anthology and a certificate. Andrew Burns, Chief Executive of Redhill Academy Trust, presented the winners of each category with an individual trophy along with an engraved shield to display at their academy for the year. 


Special thanks to the judging panel

Mr Hilyard - The Carlton Academy

Gracie-Mae G - Former student at The Bolsover School and National Poetry by Heart Finalist 2023

Mrs Ruddiforth - Arkwright Primary School

Mrs Gillian - The Bolsover School

Mrs de Gilbert - The Carlton Junior Academy

The continued success of this event sets the stage 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.