Year 8 pupil, Matthew Perry has been appointed as Shiplake College's first ever Poet Laureate, following a competition organised by the English Department towards the end of the last academic year.
A Poet Laureate is a poet appointed by a government or organisation, who often writes poems which engage with national public events, and plays a role in raising public awareness of poetry.
Poets such as Tennyson, Wordsworth, Hughes and Duffy have held this honorable title. The holder of this role at Shiplake will be tasked with writing verse for all manner of upcoming events and occasions over the next academic year.
Ms Jess Hearn, Head of English said: "There were many excellent entries which showcased a range of interests and a love for the poetic form, and it was wonderful to read so much original and creative poetry. It was a very difficult decision, but a decision that had to be made.
"The committee were thoroughly impressed by this individual’s entry of four poems, including a very clever 'poem version' of the reasons why they should become Laureate.
"We could think of no better pupil to take on this important role and are looking forward to what they create this year. I therefore have great pleasure in announcing our inaugural Poet Laureate, Matthew Perry."
At the Whole School Assembly on Monday, Matthew was invited to read one of his original poems:
I Love Walking Through The Woods,
As The Trees Sway In The Wind,
When The Bluebells Create A Sea Of Purple,
Waving In The Gentle Breeze,
When The Sky Is Blue,
Dotted With Only A Few Clouds,
And All Is Calm,
But A Dog Barks,
And The Birds Begin To Chirp,
And The Silence Is Broken,
But Only For A Moment,
And All Becomes Silent Again,
And I Continue To Walk Through The Woods,
Now I Must Hurry Home,
For It Is Going To Rain Soon.
