‘A fitting tribute’ is a poem written by Mrs Pethybridge celebrating the incredible talents and imagination of pupils from St Joseph’s College Prep School who took part and entered in the competition.
Congratulations to everyone who entered.
A Fitting Tribute
Let me hear your story competition Was launched as a fun edition To give you a chance to read a book (perhaps your favourite) and let us look At your creativity and style…. Wow! The entries made us smile! You’re all amazing, you know that’s true, Such great recordings, so what did you do? You had to practise reading aloud, (just by yourself - no support of a crowd.) No crowds allowed since lockdown did start, We have to stay at least 2 metres apart. I’m sure it was tricky to choose just one As so many books are so much fun. You were told to consider emphasis and pace To make words important and try not to race So we, as the listeners can all enjoy The storytelling of each girl and boy.
And boy, you responded remarkably Sharing your rich vocabulary. So the Faculty has found it incredibly tough To choose a winner and runner up, but enough Of me going on and on, I was told to be brief, so I must move on And congratulate you all for taking part Our youngest entrant is where I’ll start‌..
Beth - wow! What a location! Your chickens listened with fascination To your lovely storytelling about one of them Thanks for sharing the tale of the little red hen.
The Little Red Hen by Vera Southgate read by Beth Strafford, Year 2
The 91 Storey Treehouse by Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton read by Poppy Kent, Year 4
Poppy - your story had a super rhyme, With lovely expression you took your time To share the 91 Story Treehouse, indeed I’m certain the book is a fabulous read.
Oh Emilia, I wondered what would you do About little Tim and Sam and of course Lulu. Those naughty monkeys, your expression was ace, Showing their characters and maintaining good pace.
Three Little Monkeys by Quentin Blake and Emma Chichester Clark read by Emilia Smith, Year 4
The Rhyming Rabbit by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Lydia Monks, read by Sophie Harvey, Year 4
Dear Sophie, I enjoyed yours too With your great clear voice and actions, woo! I loved your costume and toy audience, You shared your story with real confidence.
Alice - I believed your character right from the start (well done for learning words off by heart!) You communicated the story very well, Great voice, movement and location as well. Well done, but I hope this won’t offend… I’m ‘cheesed off’ I didn’t want it to end!
Cheesed Off by Jeffrey Grenfell-Hill performed by Alice Marshall, Year 5
The World’s Worst Children 3 by David Walliams read by Fergus Smith, Year 6
Fergus with World’s Worst Children 3 You shared this extract wonderfully. You read with good pace and clarity - well done Who knew a tantrum about a tantrum could be such fun!
Finlay in costume, up a tree, Explaining how the whole world is crazy! I loved your location - how very unique! Great extract and good reading technique. Who knew that Wakefield would make me tense, What happens next? You created suspense.
The Last Kids On Earth by Max Brallier read by Finlay Cherrington, Year 6
The Day The Crayons Quit by Drew Daywolt read by Margot Richards, Year 6
Margot’s location was the trees as well And what a wonderful story she did tell. The crayons all had a different voice How very clever - a really good choice. Your style was great - so entertaining. (I’m also pleased it wasn’t raining!)
Oh Emilia you did make us laugh With Walliams’ tale about the staff In World’s Worst Teacher - super choice To show your wonderfully versatile voice. This was well rehearsed, great characterisation Of the amusing folk in education. We loved the expression you showed in your face, Plus good clarity and use of pace.
The Worlds Worst Teacher by David Walliams an illustrated by Tony Ross read by Emilia Nicholson Year 6
To all our entries a BIG WELL DONE
A superb standard of work from everyone. Your creativity has astounded us too This wasn’t an easy challenge to do. Such different styles and your stories were fluent, It’s clear St Jo’s really has got talent! The challenge took research, time and thought To choose your book and then to sort Out which bit is best, and where to record You had to get someone else on board To film your clip - you couldn’t do it alone, So thanks to parents for recording on your phone.
So runner up…...a dramatic pause…. Is Margot! Give her a round of applause.
The winner - no more hesitation Is Emilia Nicholson - CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to all our young storytellers who have contributed to this publication.
We live and breathe the Arts here at St Joseph’s College. We have proudly been part of the Artsmark for 14 years. The College is committed to the Arts and the Arts underpin everyday life at the
College. Every child has the opportunity to experience the Arts firsthand, working with professional artists, collaborating with other schools, watching live professional works and participating in high quality Arts projects. Poetry, Music, Fine Art, Photography, Drama, Dance, Literature are just a few of the art forms regularly enjoyed by our pupils.