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Language Arts: Learning English through Drama

S1 Inter-class Drama Competition - Matilda
Matilda the Musical is currently in theatres all over the world, but why travel to see it, when you can witness it right here at
Pooi To Middle School. In the first term, S1 students split into eight groups, and each was given a scene from Roald Dahl’s
Matilda. Spending one lesson a week rehearsing with their drama teachers, Himmy, Tom, and Lauralynn, each group also
created props and costumes while honing their acting skills. They learnt to enjoy language, express themselves through
drama and enhance confidence in the use of the language. The audience was impressed by their lively performances and
cooperative teamwork. The judge, Alex, gave out the following awards.
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Language Arts: Learning English through Poems

S2 Inter-class Choral Speaking Competition
It is thought by many that the best way to explore English is through language arts, and what better way to do this than with poetry. In order to really maximize the benefits and build a solid foundation in poetry, S2 students engaged in both written and oral activities. With the help of their poetry teacher, Mr Russell, each class delivered their
own interpretation of “Forgiven, by A. A. Milne” in an inter-class choral speaking competition. 2A & 2B went on to represent the school in the 71st Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival, with 2B achieving 1st Place! S2 students also challenged themselves by writing their own poem with one of the following titles “Grasp the Nettle”, “I Didn’t
Give In” or “Just Do It”. Here are some of our favourites.
Grasp the Nettle
2A I Didn’t Give In 2B I was afraid of performing on stage,
Tina Fung 2B (17)
Cherrie Kwan 2A (10)
I didn’t give in, I was very nervous and scared.
I even got a headache,
Because of a dream. I Didn’t Give In And people thought I was unprepared.
I wanted to play badminton, Christy Chow 2B (12)
And be in a team. I always thought people who rode bikes But I tried to solve the problem,
I didn’t give in, were cool. By practising in front of the mirror.
Alright, it’s quite embarrassing and funny,
Because I love it so much, I tried to ride, but then I fell to the ground.
If I become a champion, People pointed at me and laughed, “Who’s But my success is moving nearer.
My family will be touched. that fool?” My courage will be as strong as metal,
I sat on the ground alone, and felt so down.
If I step up now and grasp the nettle.
Well, I held back my tears and got back up, Grasp the Nettle
Dora Kwok 2B (18)
I Didn’t Give In And kept on trying and trying until I could My teacher always asks me to write a poem,
ride.
Chincco Lai 2A (12)
I Didn’t Give In I didn’t give in, This taught me the lesson to never give up; But I never know how to write it.
I succeeded and everyone stepped aside.
Candy Au 2A (1)
“Jump!” The swimming competition begins. If we always stop, If I don’t do it, Miss will be angry,
But I still don’t want to fi ght it.
However, I lose again, We will lose forever, Nan encouraged me, “Try to write it again.”
We cannot stand on top.
One time, two times, three times, So, I tried, “I’ll do the best I can.”
Every time I lose the game. I didn’t give in, Grasp the Nettle Finally, I fi nished the poem very well,
Diva Leung 2B (22)
Although I feel so sad, If we always fail, So, I said, “Thanks!” to my friend, Nan.
My mum tells me to never look back. We’ll lose confi dence, A secret of mine I’ve been trying to My courage will be as strong as metal,
I fi nally try my best, We’ll be like a snail. keep, If I step up now and grasp the nettle.
Now my future isn’t black. The dark is a place I’d rather not go,
What appears in my head are ghosts
and mummies, I Didn’t Give In
Mak Ching Hei 2B (24)
Some scary places are better for me not
I Didn’t Give In to know. I like to cook for others.
I Didn’t Give In Dorcas Yeung 2A (33) I tried to cook dessert.
Angel Lan 2A (13) I tried for a very long time, It’s time to conquer my fear of the dark, I mixed all the ingredients,
Step up to the challenge and walk
VIOLIN! Music notes and grading. But I failed so many times. alone, But the taste made me hurt.
Tears, laughter and music making. I tried to write this poem properly, I opened my eyes and fi nally realized, I found a cook book,
Hate, disappointment and arguing. And I tried to make it rhyme. I conquered my fears and walked out of And tried to follow it,
Realize, apologize and try again. I failed again and again, my comfort zone. Mum tried what I made,
Angry, annoyed and bored. And I wanted to make it end, My courage will be as strong as metal, And began to scream and spit.
Nervous, rating and waiting. Finally, I succeeded, If I step up now and grasp the nettle. I went to the mall for ingredients,
Surprised, shocked, cheering. Because I got help from my friend. And tried one more time.
Never give in, just keep going. I carefully put it all together,
And I succeeded, the taste was sublime!
 8 