Cranham pupil, 10, wins national poetry competition
Jonathan Fan, 10, was the Key Stage 2 national winner in the poetry competition. Picture: Engayne Primary School - Credit: Engayne Primary School
A Cranham pupil has been named the winner of a national poetry competition.
Joel O'Connor, six, was named one of the regional winners. Picture: Engayne Primary School - Credit: Engayne Primary School
Jonathan Fan, who attends Engayne Primary School, was crowned the Key Stage 2 winner of the Premier League Writing Stars competition.
The 10-year-old beat off competition from thousands of primary school pupils across the country to be crowned the national winner with his poem, Unstoppable.
Youngsters were asked to write an original poem on the theme of ambition, with judges - discussing the entries via a video conference - looking at creativity, vocabulary and originality.
Author and illustrator Cressida Cowell, who was on the judging panel, said: “Jonathan’s poem, Unstoppable, is simply incredible.
“This kid is a true poet and his language is so strong. I loved the rhythm of his poem and the use of repetition.
“He was able to really capture the idea of fighting to achieve your dream, which is the essence of ambition.”
Most Read
- 1 Farming family to be evicted from Upminster land they worked for a century
- 2 Murder investigation launched after man found dead in Rainham
- 3 Man found dead following 'group disturbance' in Rainham
- 4 ‘He put his life into family’: Tributes paid to former builder who died of Covid
- 5 'I feel ignored': Mum of three speaks out about bid to escape cramped housing
- 6 ‘If it’s happening, it’s a concern’: Hornchurch's surprise at claims Havering is at risk of far-right activity
- 7 Rainham cannabis factory worth over £1m busted in drugs raid
- 8 Romford shopping centre to host more than 50 events in run up to Christmas
- 9 School submits plans to demolish sports hall and build multi-million pound replacement
- 10 'Abused, slapped and spat at': New Romford shopping centre tells of racist abuse suffered by staff
Fellow judge Wes Morgan, a Leicester City footballer, added: “It’s been fantastic to be involved in this competition.
“I feel like I could read some of these poems to my teammates in the locker room before a game and get them inspired and motivated to give 100 per cent on the pitch.”
Jonathan has won the chance to see his poem published in an official Premier League Writing Stars book with bespoke illustrations, as well as a framed version of his winning poem.
He has also won a special poetry workshop at the school - when the Premier League trophy will also be brought along - from judging panel member Karl Nova when it is safe to do so, and poetry book bags for the school.
And Jonathan wasn’t the only talented poet at the Severn Drive school to be successful in the competition, either - six-year-old Joel O’Connor’s poem, When I, was selected as one of nine regional winners for Key Stage 1.
Engayne headteacher Sara Sankey said: “In these difficult times it is really wonderful to be able to share some fabulous news about our pupils.
“Well done to both boys on their achievement and we all look forward to a super workshop and visit once it is safe and we are all back together in school.”
