Students from six schools across the Ark network came together this week to perform their original poetry in the Ark Poetry Slam.
The students took to the stage at the famed Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) studios with a variety of group and individual performances. The prize for best group performance went to Ark Globe Academy, with Evelyn Grace Academy the runners up. Individual winners included Ikram from Ark Burlington Danes Academy who won the best overall performance for years 7 and 8, Destiny from Evelyn Grace Academy who won the best overall performance for years 9 and 10, Naomi from Ark Globe Academy who won the award for the poem that best encapsulated the theme of ‘dreams’ and Halil from Ark Globe Academy who won the writer’s award for his piece about bullying.
In preparation for their Slam performances, students attended a workshop where they were supported in their preparations by the renowned spoken word artists Jacob Sam-La Rose and Joelle Taylor. By the end of the workshop, the students were showcasing some amazing poems based around themes from bullying to gender quality to Nigerian culture.
Holly Rigby, English teacher at Ark Globe, said: ‘The Ark Poetry Slam is such an incredible opportunity for our young people to perform in such iconic and professional venues, and to be given the chance to have their voices heard on stage’.
