In another innovation, we also listened to a variety of texts read in languages such as Russian, Spanish and German. Our international students enhanced a delightful celebration of the power and beauty of the written word. It was very pleasing to hear an ambitious selection of poets: Matthew Arnold, Robert Frost and Pushkin were notable choices. Hermione gained the Second Form prize for her vivid interpretation of John Masefield’s “Cargoes.” The Third Form winner, Daisy, captured the bold tone and statements at the heart of her chosen poem, “I Choose the Mountain”, with vigour and verve. The overall award for an outstanding performance was given by our visiting judge to Florence in the First Form. She delivered “Excuses” with a wonderful mixture of panache and precise timing; a blend of ebullience and measured confidence animated every moment of the dialogue between teacher and pupil and, like all of the best poetry, Florence turned an ordinary occurrence into an extraordinary event.
