The English department’s annual poetry contest took place last week, showcasing pupils’ declamation skills in a joyous celebration of poetry.
Highgate’s Lyttelton Competition is a highlight of the school calendar, drawing entry submissions from every pupil in Years 7-11. Pupils choose their favourite poem to rehearse at home and recite in front of their class, progressing through a semi-final round to reach the evening final in front of invited guests. With the emphasis on declamation, rather than acting, it is an important opportunity to deepen their appreciation of poetry and bring the emotion of the verse to life.
All the competitors in last week’s final demonstrated an impressive range of expression and understanding, showing great courage in sharing their work. Tali in Y8 took the prize in the Junior Category; Reya in Y10 triumphed in the Intermediate group, with a Highly Commended nod to Elijah in Y11; Jakob impressed in the Senior Category with an almost operatic performance; and Zack delivered his own creation with gusto in the Original Composition group.
Odette Orlans, joint Head of English, commented: “The Lyttelton is always my favourite event of the year: I love seeing the pupils finding new poems they enjoy, and I think it’s fantastic that almost every pupil in the school prepares and delivers a poem. I am impressed by the dedication, passion and talent every year.”
Reya explained how the process has furthered her appreciation of poetry, saying: “You begin to appreciate the deeper meanings, insights and feelings the poet is trying to portray through rhymes, imagery etc. As I rehearse multiple times, I begin to develop my own interpretation of the poem and go on a journey bringing out a variety of emotions and climaxes. For me, this is a very rich and fulfilling experience.”
One of the other finalists reflected on the experience, saying: “All of the English department are so invested in the competition (especially Mr. Catherwood!) and all the feedback is really helpful, a new learning experience, and a chance to express yourself through poetry. The fact that all the teachers are so invested is what inspires me to try harder for these competitions and to push even harder than I maybe would normally do!”
Jakob added: “The Lyttleton is a wonderful bonding event in the school year where we learn a lot about each other. I love hearing what others choose and find comfort in the inevitable group awkwardness of reading something personal to a large number of people. I think we all grow through it together, gain an appreciation of poetry and a confidence to express ourselves.”
Reading for pleasure is firmly established as part of the Highgate DNA, with pupils, staff and parents urged to make time for reading, and the school is bucking the national trend in seeing the number of pupils studying English Literature at A level increase. Highgate has a long and distinguished literary tradition: the poets Nicholas Rowe (Laureate 1715-18) and Gerard Manley Hopkins were educated at Highgate, and John Betjeman was taught by T.S. Eliot in 1915.
