Parsons Green Prep’s poetry competition

World Poetry Day on 21 March aims to encourage linguistic diversity through poetic expression. At PGP, to support this aim and to celebrate the literary talent across the school, we enter national poetry competitions and welcome parents to our annual PGP Poetry Writing and Recitation Competition, which will take place on 1 April.

As the name suggests, the competition has two categories, each designed to enable the children to showcase their writing, love of poetry and performance skills. Firstly, the competition includes a recitation category for Years 1-6; every child is expected to take part in this aspect through the preparation of a poem to recite. In addition, any child may choose to illustrate their poem. All entries, written and/or illustrated, will be displayed in the STEAM room. Parents may wish to help their child choose an age-appropriate published poem, as there is no specific theme. Half-term is the perfect opportunity to get started but parents have until 21 March to share the title, author and a copy of their child’s chosen poem with the Front Office.

To enter the recitation competition, the child must have learnt their chosen poem by heart as it will be evaluated as a performance piece. Our recommendation is to select a poem that resonates with the child’s interests and for it to be manageable in terms of recall – not too long! There is importance placed on having a physical presence, articulation, voice projection, dramatic appropriateness and evidence of understanding, to gain high marks on the day. A LAMDA teacher and professional actor will judge the competition but please note that the poem must not be one rehearsed in LAMDA lessons nor practised or have been an element of a LAMDA examination with Mr Max and/or Miss Jordon.

The Reception class learn two poems chosen by Mr Lee. They are rehearsed in school and the children perform both as a year group. All Reception children will receive a sticker for their participation.

The second category involves every child in Years 1-6 writing a poem in school. Their teachers will continue to introduce the children to different styles of poetry and will allow them time to plan content, write and edit their poetry based on a theme chosen by the school. Teaching will provide the scaffolding required for every child to participate. For entry to the competition the poem must be the child’s own work written in class and not at home. All the children in Years 1-6 who enter the competition on 1 April will receive a certificate and there will be a book token for first place, with additional certificates for 2^nd and 3^rd place.

Dr Edmonds

Head