We held our very first 'poetry slam' at school, with children competing for the title of Poetry Grand Champion.

This week gave us the very first Hook Junior School Poetry Slam, with pupils competing for the title of Poetry Grand Champion by performing poetry they had created as part of their English work over the last couple of weeks. Hosted by Mrs Stephens as Writing leader, two pupils from each year group were chosen to represent their peers; bravely performing their own work in front of the whole school and a panel of judges.

Representing Year 3, Lexie and Katelyn performed their 'Sound Collector' poems inspired by Roger McGough, Spencer and Alfie from Year 4 treated us to a Viking inspired poem with audience participation, Year 5 saw Oliver and Millie taking on the story of the Grinch at Christmas and Samuele and Alecia Year 6 moved their audience with World War Two battlefield inspired poetry.

The quality of the work was incredibly high, with competitors being judged on originality, expression, confidence and engagement of their audience. The fantastic work of all pupils gave the judges an incredible hard decision, but the Grand Champion was eventually chosen as Oliver H from Year 5. The two runners up were Alecia W (Year 6) and Lexie T (Year 3). A big thank you to all pupils for creating such wonderful poetry and to Mrs Wilson and Mr Hall who provided a showcase of rhyming in their opening head to head 'slam'.

Here is Poetry Grand Champion Oliver H's winning piece 'The Fanich Who Saved Christmas' - tap the thumbnail for a larger view.