Poetic Brilliance Shines at Dudley Academies Trust's Grand Secondary Finale
Dudley Academies Trust proudly held the Trust-wide Secondary School Poetry By Heart Final Competition, showcasing the poetic talents of learners across their secondary schools. Each of the four secondary schools within the Trust has embraced the national Poetry By Heart competition, embedding it across their curriculum to foster a love for poetry and creativity among learners.
The competition comprised three thrilling stages. Stage 1 required learners to recite two poems in front of their peers, building confidence and honing their oratory skills. This was followed by Stage 2, the highly anticipated school final, where the best performers from each school competed for a place in the Trust-wide final on Tuesday 18th March 2025. Stage 3, the culmination of the event, saw the finest poets from across the Trust come together to vie for the coveted title.
The grand final featured Jasmine Gardosi, former Poet Laureate for Birmingham, as a guest judge alongside Jo Higgins, CEO of Dudley Academies Trust, and Andrew Clarke, Governance member. Jasmine’s insightful critiques and encouraging words inspired the young poets. As a special treat, Jasmine performed four of her own poems, including an astounding beat box poem that left the audience in awe.
The event commenced with a moving performance of "Tomorrow Awaits" by learners from all six Trust schools. This poem, written by Jasmine Gardosi specifically for the Trust’s new Innovation Exchange Centre at Millennium Point in Birmingham, set the tone for an evening of remarkable poetic expression.
Jo Higgins, CEO of Dudley Academies Trust, stated:
"The Poetry By Heart Final Competition has truly highlighted the extraordinary talent and creativity of our learners. We are immensely proud of their achievements and the dedication they have demonstrated throughout. Congratulations to all participants. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this event, including Pegasus Academy for their gracious hosting. Their efforts and support have been instrumental in making this competition a resounding success."
Dudley Academies Trust is delighted with the success of the Poetry By Heart Final Competition and looks forward to nurturing the poetic talents of its learners in future events. The Trust remains committed to providing enriching experiences that inspire and empower its learners.
Winners:
- Key Stage 4 Winner: Aaron S from The Link Academy.
- Key Stage 3 Winner: Precious O from Pegasus Academy.
Runners Up:
- Key Stage 4 Runners Up: Ellie-Mae H from Beacon Hill Academy and Zoe A-O from Pegasus Academy.
- Key Stage 3 Runners Up: Ranjot S from St James Academy and Archie P from The Link Academy.
Pictured: KS4 Winner, Aaron S from The Link Academy (left) and KS3 Winner, Precious O from Pegasus Academy (right).
Pictured: KS4 Runners Up, Ellie-Mae H from Beacon Hill Academy (top left) and Zoe A-O from Pegasus Academy (top right). KS3 Runners Up, Ranjot S from St James Academy (bottom left) and Archie P from The Link Academy (bottom right).