A schoolgirl from Northwood has beaten 3,000 other entrants to be named as the winner of a national competition.
Iman, nine, is currently in Year 4 at St Helen’s School and recently took part in the UK-wide Poetry by Heart contest. Open to pupils in Year 3 to Sixth Form, the event aims to celebrate the art of poetry recital and develop young people’s skills.
Iman was selected as one of 10 finalists from thousands of shortlisted entries. In the final, the plucky poetry performer acted out a recitation of her chosen piece, The Story of Little Suck-a-Thumb by Heinrich Hoffmann, in front of an audience at Shakespeare’s Globe in London.
Iman captivated those in the audience with presence and expressive delivery.
Iman’s mum Shelina said: “She’s always enjoyed writing her own poems. But as she performed the words of others, you could see a growth in her understanding and space for her own personality to appear.”
After this, Iman moved to the final stage, performing the poem Sick by Shel Silverstein in front of esteemed judges Patience Agbabi, Liz Berry, and Daljit Nagra at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
The tension mounted as the judges deliberated, before it was announced that Iman had been named the overall Key Stage 2 winner of the competition.
Speaking about Iman, the judges said: “The whole performance was a delight. We were transfixed throughout at the voice, expression and gestures, and Iman’s thrilling ability to bring out the dark humour of Hoffman’s poem.”
A spokesperson for St Helen’s School said: “This remarkable achievement is a testament to Iman’s hard work, dedication, and natural talent for poetry.
“Congratulations, Iman! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing where your passion for poetry takes you next.”
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