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Last
Friday, Stephen Metcalfe, local MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, joined
the schools taking part in the Basildon Challenge, for an afternoon of poetry
by Key Stage One children from across Basildon.
The
recital, organised by the Basildon Education Services Trust (BEST), aimed to
increase children’s engagement with poetry and to help them develop public
speaking skills. As such, pupils from across Basildon were challenged to write,
or find a poem, learn it by heart and then deliver it in their schools. Each
school selected a finalist to represent them at the grand final.
Stephen
Metcalfe MP, Eileen Patching OBE, and Sue Faulkner from Essex County Council
formed the final judging panel and marked the children out of 20 on their
interpretation and delivery of the poem.
Mr
Metcalfe, who is patron of BEST, commented: “I was delighted to be a judge at
this fantastic event. The standard was incredibly high and I would like to
congratulate every child who took part, they all did their schools proud! The
children seemed to enjoy the experience and they will have learned some
invaluable lessons in public speaking and gained an appreciation of poetry
along the way.”
Patrick White, Director of BEST said: "The pupils
showed the most amazing promise in delivering their poems, and were an absolute
credit to themselves, their schools and their families. We must ensure that the pupils retain their drive, confidence and attitude in
adult and working life and so enhance their lives and the lives of others in
Basildon."
Mr Metcalfe added: “BEST
are constantly challenging children in Basildon to aim higher, to develop new
skills and to broaden their horizons. I am extremely proud to be patron of the
organisation and I look forward to supporting other events such as this in the
future.”
The
overall winner was Sian Firth, from Greensteads School who received a trophy
and a medal to mark her achievement while Charlie Harland-Dornan from Lee
Chapel Primary came a very close second and received a silver medal.
