Priory School is celebrating its students’ successes in the Speech and Drama section of the Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival this week. The pupils took part in verse speaking, prose recital, solo acting and duologue classes and they ‘placed’ in every class they took part in. Among the successes were the first-place winners in the following classes:
- Lovella-Faith Holland, 8 Years Verse Speaking
- Ruby Hart, 8 – 9 Years Prose Speaking
- Ann Spicer, 10 – 11 Years Duologue
- Sam Spicer, 10 – 11 Years Duologue
- Alexia Lake, 11 Years Verse Speaking
- Isaac Soar, 11 Years Verse Speaking
- Emma Ross, 12 Years Verse Speaking
In total, the pupils participated in 14 classes and returned to school with a haul of 7 1st places (listed above), 7 2nd places (Archie, Austin, Isaac, Libby, Ruby – twice, and Solomon) and 11 3rd places (Ann, Austin, Beatrix, Eliza, Emma, Evie, Libby, Lovella-Faith – twice, Seren and Tilly). All of the pupils were excited with their win, and Lovella-Faith Holland exclaimed, “Awesome! I really didn’t expect to win.” Speech and Drama teacher at the school, Jeni Law, said
“I am so proud of all the children who took part. Some were only just 6 years old and I know they were quite nervous. It is incredibly brave to stand and speak on a stage in front of people, especially when you are so young. It was lovely to see the older ones supporting the younger ones and really demonstrated the community approach fostered within the school.”
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Mr David EJJ Lloyd, Principal, added:
“I am incredibly proud of all our pupils, regardless of their placings. They have worked hard and practised for many months and really enjoy their work with Ms Law, to whom we are all very grateful”.
Not all schools were able to take part though with issues obtaining Child Performance Licences blighting many educational facilities looking to compete, as previously reported by Island Echo.
Congratulations to all involved.