The theme for our 2019 Poetry Competition was 'The Last Page'. Students were invited to write an original poem to reflect this theme.
We received 465 entries from over 80 schools in total. Well done to all who entered, our judges thoroughly enjoyed reading your excellent poems.
2019 Winners and Runners-up
The winners are listed below along with the judges' comments. To read each poem, please click on the student's name.
Category A: 10 yrs and under
Winner: Nyall Thoppil, British School of Bahrain
“Beautiful imagery, wonderfully imagined, very mature writing. A very powerful poem that causes the reader to think deeply about the competition theme.”
Runner Up: Alina Abdul Kader, GEMS Jumeirah Primary School
“I really enjoyed the poem. It made me think of my own hometown and my connection and memories to it. The student used good language techniques. Clever interpretation of the theme and a sophisticated poem.”
Category B: 11-14 yrs
Winner: Mathula Muhundan, Doha College
"The poetic allusion used throughout this piece is outstanding, it gives the poem an additional subconscious narrative voice. A thought-provoking, carefully crafted poem that uses rich, sophisticated vocabulary and subtle use of poetic devices."
Runner Up: Maia Troconis Wetter, British International School of Stockholm
“Stunning imagery (e.g. mother as author) that surprises and delights, but I found myself wondering most at her beautiful re-visioning of the theme. Here ‘The Last Page’ is also a beginning. The best is always yet to come - or so we hope, as we keep turning, and looking ever towards the future"
Category C: 15-19 yrs
Winner: Francesco Muci, The British School of Brussels
"Clever contrasting themes of life and death, beautiful imagery, good pacing. Imaginative, descriptive, excellent use of vocabulary and story telling."
Runner Up: Hana Růžičková, Park Lane International School
“Haunting but beautiful. Thoughtful phrases - the description of the fire was incredibly imaginative and powerful. Entertaining and good building of suspense.”
Prizes
A certificate and prize was awarded to the winner and runner-up of each category.
Winner: £75 Amazon voucher
Runner-up: £25 Amazon voucher
Judges
The success of our Poetry Competition is dependent upon the help of external judges, so we are very grateful to all involved. Thank you to all judges who took the time to volunteer this year, including teachers from COBIS Schools, experts from COBIS Supporting Member organisations and professionals from the writing industry.