We hosted our annual Children's Poetry Competition in the Pauline Edgar Library on Wednesday 19 June with special guest - performance poet Professor Pango Mango.

Students from Goodwyn School, Stormont, Ivy House, Norfolk House and St Hilda's enjoyed a captivating poetry workshop with the Professor. They then took turns performing their own poems, all inspired by the emotive theme of 'hope for the future'.

The two winners of the competition were Cassian K representing Ivy House School, and Liliana H from St Hilda's Harpenden. Their thoughtful and uplifting poems were chosen by the teachers from Queenswood's English department and you can read them below.

The Power of Hope by Cassian K

Hope is a power that always glides through you,
And will overcome the tide.
Hope is the answer that no one can take from you,
And will carry you through the days.
Hope is a chink in the darkness,
It is resting inside of you,
Imagining a different way.

Hope for the Future by Liliana Hewitt

Hope wraps around you like a blanket,
keeping you happy everyday,
as the future looks better,
when they work together.

Hope is like a beacon of light,
it keeps you safe and shows you the way, It gives you strength,
whenever you're happy or sad.

Hope is like a ray of sunshine
which keeps you warm inside,
even when all of your fears collide.

Hope for the future is the best feeling in the world, it keeps you alive and free,
always have hope by your side
just look up and see!

Hope is your best friend
who leads you out of the dark,
it takes you to the best place in the world,
just follow your heart
and the future will shine.

Congratulations to all of the young people who took part in the competition and we look forward to welcoming Professor Pango Mango back next year. We also extend our thanks to Mrs Vine, Head of Learning Resources at Queenswood and Ms Gaffney, Librarian, for hosting the event.