To celebrate National Poetry Day, students across all year groups were invited to submit original poetry centred around this year’s theme, "World of Wonder." English staff were blown away by the turnout and creativity on display. Three shortlisted poems were featured on The Street, where students had the chance to read the submissions and vote for the piece that resonated with them most. Esther’s inspiring poem captured the hearts of her peers, earning her the top spot and the title of Poet Laureate for the upcoming academic year.

Miss Newmarch, English Teacher, praised the students' creative efforts:

"It was fantastic to see such a diverse range of poems from our students. The thought, effort, and dedication put into each piece shows how much our students enjoy expressing themselves. Most of the poems shared uplifting messages of positivity, hope, and pride. Thank you to everyone who took part—we were incredibly impressed, and a huge well done to Esther!"

Mrs. Henderson, Head of English, added:

"We look forward to calling upon our very own Poet Laureate to mark events of significance in the life of the college."

Reflecting on her achievement, Esther shared her passion for the craft:

"I love writing! I write poems at home all the time, and I'm so happy to have won. It’s great that my poem was chosen, and I’m excited to write more throughout the year for school events!"

Congratulations to Esther on this outstanding accomplishment, and thank you to every student who submitted a poem to make National Poetry Day such a success!

Read Esther's poem:

Seasons of Wonder

On a summer’s day, I wonder if I am a flower—
A blue iris standing in all its power.
People love to pick and stare,
Then put me in a vase by the chair.

One day after another,
I’m met with admiration like no other,
Until my petals and beauty slowly die,
And all affection vanishes from their eye.

They so quickly forget my stem,
Because dried-up petals are all I am to them.
My beauty fades, but my true self lies
Not in the petals, but the stem that misses their eyes.

You see my surface, but forget my foundation,
Discarding the blue iris and its creation.
If only you had watered me one last time,
I could have survived past my primary prime.

Now you go and buy another bouquet,
Its petals radiant, nowhere near decay.
I wonder if you will do the same for her,
Or buy the hydrangeas while I become a blur.

On an autumn’s night, I remember I was once a flower—
A blue iris fading hour by hour.
A bloom defined solely by the beauty of its petals,
While nobody cares where the root truly settles.

On a winter’s morning, I sit and wonder
If beauty still lies in the eyes of the beholder.