A SHAFTESBURY School pupil has been crowned national champion at a poetry recital competition.
Sixth former Ethan Speed picked up the title for key stage 5 at the Poetry by Heart national finals, held at The Globe theatre and Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London.
Ethan was one of just 40 grand finalists picked from more than 39,000 students who took part in the contest, with 10 picked for each key stage category.
On the day, he performed The Beast in the Space on the Globe stage and in-front of the poetry judging panel inside the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.
He said performing at the rebuilt 16th-century Globe, the theatre chiefly associated with performances of William Shakespeare, was ‘electric’.
For his second performance Ethan chose A Forsaken Garden by Algernon Swinburne and his efforts saw him crowned champion in the kay stage 5 category.
Shaftesbury School teacher, Carl Davies, said: “It was a magnificent day and we couldn’t be prouder of him.
“This is why people still come into the teaching profession, to see young people take massive risks and achieve what they’re capable of.
“Ethan has always been modest about his own talents, but now he shines like a beacon for the rest of us.”
Well done to Ethan.also well done teachers and family behind his talent. I particularly liked the teachers comment about why teachers go into teaching.