SPEECH AND DRAMA
Sunday September 6th to Sunday 13th 2015
Entries close 5th June, 2015
Late entries will incur $5 penalty fee per entry. Late entries will close 12th June.
Postal entries only to:
Speech and Drama Secretary
PO Box 505,
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Convener: 6924 2695, 0488 312 496 Speech Entry Secretary: 6921 7775
Entry Fees
$5.50 or as otherwise stated.
MAJOR AWARDS
OUTSTANDING PERFORMER UNDER 13 YEARS $250.00
OUTSTANDING PERFORMER 13 YEARS & OVER $400.00
These two scholarships are awarded by the Adjudicator and are presented to two students who show promise and application.
Encouragement Award: Under 13 years- Wendy Coupe IP Shield & replica &$50.00
Encouragement Award: 13 years & over - Gabrielle Lancaster Memorial IP Trophy & replica & $50.00
Champion Set Recitation - Trinity College of London Examination Board IP Trophy/ replica & $50.00
Champion Australian Recitation - The Wagga Laundry IP Trophy/ replica & $50.00
Champion Bible Reading - WWES IP Trophy/ replica & $50.00
Champion Shakespeare Recitation - Kathryn Russell IP Cup/ replica & $50.00
Champion Light Verse Recitation - WWES IP Trophy/replica & $50.00
Champion Character Recital - WWES IP Trophy/replica & $50.00
Most Promising Junior - Judith Fisher IP Trophy/ replica & $50.00
Most Promising 9 yrs & Under - McDonalds Family Restaurant IP Trophy/replica & $50.00
Adjudicator's Award - WWES Trophy/replica & $50.00
Champion Orator - Creaghe Lisle Solicitors I P Trophy/replica & $100.00
Champion Choral Recitation - IP Trophy/ replica & $250
Champion School Performance - IP Trophy/ replica (Trophy only)
RULES AND CONDITIONS FOR SPEECH AND DRAMA COMPETITORS – TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE RULES GOVERNING
THE EISTEDDFOD AT THE FRONT OF THIS BOOKLET
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dress, posture and demeanour are important parts of performance and will be taken into consideration by the adjudicator
Competitors will NOT be allowed to perform “out of age”.
Competitors will NOT be permitted to perform “out of Section”.
Competitors must not perform the same item in more than one section except in Entertainment section.
“Restricted”: means never having won a first prize in a City of Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod and are either taught in Wagga or live within an 80km radius
of Wagga Wagga.
6. Awarding of prizes is at the discretion of the adjudicator, and may be withheld.
7. In sections where there are less than five (5) competitors, placing is at the discretion of the Adjudicator.
8. The Adjudicator’s decision is final.
9. No scenery is allowed. Limited hand-held props are permitted, and the Committee will make available two (2) chairs, two (2) tables and three (3) boxes
for competitors to use. A maximum of three (3) items will be allowed for solo items, and four (4) for duos and groups. It is the Stage Manager’s right
to refuse inappropriate props.
10. Only the lighting provided is to be used.
11. Time Limit (when specified in the syllabus) A short warning bell will sound followed by a longer bell when the time limit is reached. Performers must
leave the stage on the second bell and performance will be assessed to that point.
12. Word Limits and Time Limits when specified must be adhered to and will be checked.
13. BIBLE READINGS:
All Bible readings must be made from the Bible in all sections.
Open and Senior sections may use any Authorised version EXCEPT the Good News Bible.
For Open, Senior and Intermediate sections a copy of the reading must be handed to the Secretary prior to the Session.
For all other Age groups the Bible used may be either the Good News Bible or NIV Bible.
14. Prose Readings must be from the book.
15. “Own Choice” Items: A clear copy of the selection is to be handed to the Recording Secretary at the commencement of the Session in which the
competitor will appear, with the section and competitor number clearly marked.
16. VENUE: NO PERSON SHALL ENTER OR LEAVE THE VENUE WHILE ANY PERFORMANCE IS IN PROGRESS.
17. Audience members must pay the required admission fee.
18. Prompting or assistance of any kind must not be given, except by the adjudicator.
19. The decision of the Committee in all questions arising from, or not provided in, the Rules and Conditions shall be final.
20. COPYRIGHT: The law of Copyright applies to the Eisteddfod. Copies of poems, readings etc will be accepted for the Adjudicator, but will be
destroyed after the performance.
21. CHAMPIONSHIPS: Competitors in each age group are automatically entered for the Championship Award, if they compete in the specified sections
(as detailed in the syllabus). The Championship is awarded to the Competitor with the highest aggregate. If the first place is tied, a count back based on
the marks received for the Set Recital and Bible Reading will then be used. If this doesn’t determine a winner then the Set Recital mark shall be used,
and only then if this still results in a tie will a Joint Champion be declared. Placings for the Championship may be tied.
22. TROPHIES: “In Perpetuity”, when presented, will be held by the winning competitor until August 1 of the next year. They must be returned to the
Secretary polished, engraved and ready for the next Eisteddfod. Holders of trophies are responsible for their safe custody, and in the case of loss or
damage, must pay the Society for their replacement.
23. Engraving of Trophies is at the expense of the winning competitor.
24. Recording/Photographing:
of choirs on Choral Speech Day is forbidden. Please organise with your school for an alternative time to record
performances.
25. Recording/photographing of any performers whilst on stage is not allowed. This is for the protection and benefit of all performers.
We always welcome extra assistance to organise and run the Eisteddfod each
year. If you can help contact us on one of the above phone numbers.
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
\608
OPEN -17 YEARS AND OVER
1st: $15 2nd: $12 3rd: $10
RECITAL Schoolmistress Miss Humm Clive Sansom IP Trophy
SHAKESPEARIAN RECITAL IP Trophy Own Choice
Time Limit 4 mins
PREPARED PROSE READING
Limit 350 words
Any selection from To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee IP Trophy
Copy to be handed to Secretary before session.
PREPARED BIBLE READING Any selection from Matthew
From any authorised version except Good News Bible
Time Limit 2 mins
CHARACTER RECITAL
IP Trophy Own Choice
Time Limit 5 mins
ANY POEM BY Kath Walker
Own Choice
RECITAL - POEM OR PROSE
Own Choice
Time Limit 4 mins
IMPROMPTU READING
MIME SOLO Costume Optional
Own Choice
Time Limit 2 mins
No hand held props. A chair may be used.
OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Competitors will be required to compete in 4 sections 600-606 inclusive. The
Championship will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate for Recital, Bible Reading and two other sections.
1st: Jerry & Beryl Baxter I P Trophy & replica & $50
2nd: Trophy & $35
3 r d : Trophy & $25
15 & 16 years: 1st prize: $15
13 & 14 years: 1st prize: $12
INTERMEDIATE: 13 AND UNDER 17 YEARS
2nd prize: $12
3rd prize: $10
2nd prize: $10
3 rd prize: $8
609
610
611
612
613
614
15 & 16 YEARS
RECITAL Old Woman Elizabeth Jennings
PREPARED BIBLE READING Any selection from Mark
CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME Own Choice I P Trophy
ANY POEM BY
Kath Walker
Own Choice I P Trophy
LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice I P Trophy
SHAKESPEARIAN RECITAL
Own Choice I P Trophy
617
618
619
620
621
622
13 & 14 YEARS
RECITAL The Runaway Robert Frost
PREPARED BIBLE READING Any selection from Jeremiah
Time Limit 2 mins
CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME Own Choice
Time limit 4 mins
ANY POEM BY
Kath Walker
Own Choice IP Trophy
LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
SHAKESPEARIAN RECITAL
Own Choice
Time limit 5 mins
Time Limit 2 mins
Time limit 5 mins
Time limit 3 mins
Time limit 4 mins
INTERMEDIATE SPEECH & DRAMA CHAMPIONSHIP-13 & UNDER 17 YEARS
Individual trophies for 13 & 14 years and 15 & 16 years: The championship will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate in Set Age recital, Bible Reading,
Character Recital and one other section of own choice. 15 & 16 years will be required to compete in four sections between 609 - 614 inclusive. 13 & 14 years will be
required to compete in four sections between 617-622 inclusive.
1st: IP Trophy & replica plus $50.00
2nd: Trophy & $35
3 r d : Trophy & $25
13 to 18 YEARS
625 RESTRICTED RECITAL - POEM
Own Choice IP Trophy
Time limit 3 mins
629 MIME SOLO Costume optional
Own Choice
Time limit 2 mins No hand held props. A chair may be used.
630 PREPARED PROSE READING IP Trophy
Limit 300 words
Any selection from The Outsiders by S E Hinton
Copy to be handed to Secretary before session.
723 RECITAL – POEM OR PROSE
Own choice
Time Limit 4 mins
615 IMPROMPTU READING
616 STORYTELLING
Time Limit 2.5 mins
Competitors will be required to tell a story on any subject given by the
Adjudicator. This is a test of the imagination. Warning bell at 2 min.
1st: $20 2nd: $15 3rd: $10
631 IMPROMPTU NEWS READING AND RADIO ADVERTISING I P Trophy
626
627
628
724
OPEN - (AT LEAST ONE COMPETITOR MUST BE 13 YEARS OR OVER)
Please note 626, 627, 628 & 724: Entry fee $ 10.00 per duo
State name and date of birth on ONE entry form only
1st: $20 2nd: $15 3rd: $10
DUOLOGUE IN COSTUME Own Choice
Time limit 8 mins
IMPROMPTU DUOLOGUE
IP Trophy
Time limit 2 mins
Subject matter given to competitors 2 mins beforehand Warning bell 1.5mins
POEM FOR TWO
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
A poem for two voices
Any form of presentation
IMPROMPTU MIME DUO
Time limit 2 mins
Subject given to competitors 2 mins beforehand Warning bell 1.5min
JUNIOR 10 AND UNDER 13 YEARS
Trophies/medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd
12 YEARS
632 RECITAL girls The Bully Asleep John Walsh
633 RECITAL boys Possums Anne Coleridge
634 PREPARED BIBLE READING Jeremiah 34:1-8 IP Trophy
635 AUSTRALIAN THEMED RECITAL
Own Choice
636 CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME Own Choice
637 LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
Time limit 4 mins
Time limit 3 mins
11 YEARS
638 RECITAL girls Wild Australian Bilby Anne McBurnie
639 RECITAL boys Dad and the Doctor’s Surgery Annette Kosseris
640 PREPARED BIBLE READING Luke 5:27-32
641 AUSTRALIAN THEMED RECITAL
Own Choice IP Trophy
642 CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME Own Choice IP Trophy
643 LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice IP Trophy
Time limit 3 mins
Time Limit 3 mins
Time Limit 3 mins
10 YEARS
644 RECITAL girls Toys Talk of the World Katherine Pyle
645 RECITAL boys The Twelfth Man Max Fatchen
646 PREPARED BIBLE READING Mark 14: 3-9
647 AUSTRALIAN THEMED RECITAL
Own Choice
648 CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME Own Choice IP Trophy
649 LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
Time limit 3 mins
Time limit 3 mins
JUNIOR SPEECH & DRAMA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Individual trophies for 10,11, & 12 yrs. Sections to qualify for championships are:
12 yrs: 632-637, 11 yrs: 638-643, 10 yrs: 644-649. Championships will be awarded to the competitors gaining the highest aggregate in the set age recital, bible reading and
one other section of his/her choice within their set age.
12 yrs: 1st: IP Trophy/ replica & $40.00
10 & 11 yrs: 1st: IP Trophy/ replica & $30.00
2nd: Trophy plus $30.00
2nd: Trophy plus $20.00
3 r d : Trophy plus $20.00
3rd: Trophy plus $15.00
10 & UNDER 13 YEARS
650 STORY TELLING
Time limit 2 mins
Competitor will be required to tell a story on any subject given by the Adjudicator.
This is a test of the imagination. Warning bell at 1.5 min
1 st : IP Trophy plus $15 2nd: $10 3rd: $5
651 MIME SOLO Costume optional
Own Choice
Time limit 2 mins
No hand held props. A chair may be used.
652 IMPROMPTU READING
653 PREPARED READING Any selection from
The Child’s Elephant Rachel Campbell-Johnston
150 - 250 words
Copy of selection to be handed to Secretary before session Word limit will be checked
654 RESTRICTED RECITAL - POEM
Own Choice IP Trophy
Time limit 3 mins
725 RECITAL - POEM
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
UNDER 13 YEARS
Please note 655, 656, 657: Entry fee is $10.00 per duo
State name and date of birth of both competitors on one entry form only
655 DUOLOGUE IN COSTUME
Own Choice
Time limit 6 mins
656 IMPROMPTU DUOLOGUE
Time limit 2 mins
Subject matter given to competitors 2 mins beforehand
657 POEM FOR TWO
Own Choice
Time limit 4 mins
A poem for two voices
Any form of presentation
N.B. Refer to 18 yrs & under section for mixed ages
SUB-JUNIOR: 8 & 9 YEARS
Trophies/medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd
9 YEARS
658
RECITAL girls My Night Visitor Annette Kosseris
659
RECITAL boys Crab Hunting Bill Scott
660
PREPARED BIBLE READING Mark 6: 20 - 31
661
AUSTRALIAN THEMED RECITAL Own Choice IP Trophy
662
CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME – Verse or Prose
Own Choice
IP Trophy
663
LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice
8 YEARS
664
RECITAL girls Lost Margaret Speter
665
RECITAL boys The Flying Four Phyllis Harry
666
PREPARED BIBLE READING Psalm 23:1-6
667
AUSTRALIAN THEMED RECITAL Own Choice
668
CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME – Verse or Prose
669
LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
Time Limit 3 mins
Time limit 3 mins
Time limit 3 mins
Time Limit 3 mins
Time limit 3 mins
SUB-JUNIOR SPEECH AND DRAMA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Individual trophies for 8 years and 9 years: The 8 years championship will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate in the set age recital, the bible reading,
and any other one section between 667 - 669. The 9 years championship will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate in the set age recital, the bible reading and
any other one section between 661 - 663.
1st:
IP Trophy & replica
2nd:
Trophy
3rd:
Trophy
670
671
UNDER 10 YEARS
MIME SOLO Costume optional
Own Choice
Time limit 2 mins
No hand held props. Table/chair may be used.
PREPARED SET READING Any selection from:
The Midnight Fox Betsy Byars
150-200 words
Copy of selection to be handed to Secretary before session Word limit will be checked
672
STORYTELLING 1 st $10 2 n d $8 3 r d $5
Time limit 2 mins
Competitor will be required to tell a story on any subject given by the Adjudicator. This is a test of the imagination. Warning bell at 1min 30 sec
726
673
675
RECITAL - POEM
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
RESTRICTED RECITAL
Own Choice
Time limit 3 mins
RESTRICTED PREPARED READING IP Trophy
150-200 words
Any selection from The Secret Garden Frances Hodgson-Burnet
Copy of selection to be handed to Speech Secretary before session Word limit will be checked
676
677
DUOLOGUE IN COSTUME
POEM FOR TWO
A poem for two voices
Please note 676 & 677: Entry fee $10.00 per Duo
State name and date of birth of both competitors on ONE entry form only
Own Choice
Time limit 4 mins
Own Choice
Time limit 4 mins
Any form of presentation
MINOR JUNIOR: 7 YEARS AND UNDER
Trophies/medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes
All competitors will receive a certificate in recognition of their performance.
7 YEARS
678
RECITAL girls Birthday Tea Rowena Stent
679
RECITAL boys That Dog Anne Rooks
680
PREPARED BIBLE READING Psalm 121:1-8
681
LIGHT VERSE OR PROSE
Own Choice
682
CHARACTER RECITAL IN COSTUME –Verse or prose Own Choice
683
MIME SOLO Costume optional
Own Choice
No hand held props Table/chair may be used
6 YEARS AND UNDER
685
RECITAL girls Daddy Fell into the Pond Alfred Noyes
686
RECITAL boys Rocket Song Barbara Ireson
687
POEM OR NURSERY RHYME IN COSTUME
Own Choice
688
MIME SOLO Costume optional
Own Choice
No hand held props. Table/chair may be used.
Time limit 2 mins
Time limit 2 mins
Time limit 2 mins
Time Limit 2 mins
Time limit 2 mins
MINOR JUNIOR SPEECH AND DRAMA CHAMPIONSHIPS
Individual trophies for 7 years and 6 years & under: The 7 years championship will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate in the set age recital, the
bible reading, and any other one section between 681 & 683. The 6 years & under championship will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate in the set age
recital and any other section between 687 & 688.
1st:
IP Trophy & replica
2nd:
Trophy
3 rd :
Trophy
CHORAL SPEECH
Entry fee is $12 for all choral speech sections. Adjudication of the set poem a) will be based on effective vocal presentation. Members of the choir must be formally
grouped. Own choice poem or prose b) may be any form of presentation. Choral Speech sections will be conducted on Tuesday 9th September at Joyes Hall, Charles Sturt
University. All competitors in choral speech to perform in school uniform.
Champion Choral Recitation IP Trophy and $250 will be awarded for the highest mark awarded in the set poem from Sections 692-697
Please note that wording for the set poem cannot be amended in anyway.
692
693
694
695
696
697
698
699
Choral Speech: Primary - Years 5 & 6
Time Limit 6 mins
Each choir will perform two works.
a) Gypsies Rachel Field
b) Own choice - contrasting style
Choral Speech: Primary - Years 3 & 4
Time Limit 6 mins
Each choir will perform two works.
a) Transylvania Dreaming Colin McNaughton b) Own choice - contrasting style
Choral Speech: Infants -Years 1 & 2
Time Limit 5 mins
Each choir will perform two works.
a) The Groplejum Phyllis Harry
b) Own choice - contrasting style
Choral Speech: Infants - Kindergarten & Kindergarten/Yr 1 Composite class
Each choir will perform two works.
Time Limit 5 mins
a) Little Things Dulcie Meddows
b) Own choice - contrasting style
Choral Speech: Small Schools only
Time limit 6 mins
Each choir will perform two works.
a) Voices of the Wind Dulcie Meddows
b) Own choice - contrasting style
Special Needs Class – Primary
Time Limit 6 mins
Each choir will perform two works
a) Cows James Reeves
b) Own choice-contrasting style
Time Limit 6 mins
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES
Entry fee $12
PRIMARY and/or INFANTS GROUPS – published play or scene from a published play
Minimal scenery/props to be used
Time Limit 10 mins
Please state on entry form estimated number of students performing
HIGH SCHOOL GROUPS - self-devised performance (original work) or published play/scene. Minimal scenery/props to be used
Time Limit 10 mins
Please state on entry form estimated number of students performing
MSP Photography IP Trophy will be awarded to the school achieving the highest mark in Sections 698 or 699
700
701
702
GROUP PERFORMANCES
Entry fee for all sections in Dramatic Art is $12.00
SKIT OR SCENE FROM PLAY - HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS – work may be published or original. Three or more characters in costume
Time limit up to10 mins
1st: $30 2nd: $20 3rd: $10
SKIT OR SCENE FROM PLAY PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS – work may be published or original. Three or more characters in costume
Time limit up to 10 mins
1st: $30 2nd: $20 3rd: $10
SCENE FROM SHAKESPEARE - HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Time Limit up to 10 mins
Sponsored by Wagga Wagga Shakespeare Club
Three or more characters in costume IP Trophy
1st: $30 2nd: $20 3rd: $10
ENTERTAINMENT
Entry $10.00
Competitors should prepare two contrasting pieces that demonstrate their ability to perform and entertain. The two pieces must be introduced, themed and follow each
other. Performance skills might include character recitals, poetry recitations, storytelling, circus skills, dance/singing, comedy routines, puppetry etc. One piece
may be performed elsewhere in this eisteddfod.
703
Open – all ages
Time limit 4 mins per item
1st: $40 2nd: $30 3rd: $20
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Sponsored by Creaghe Lisle Solicitors
Champion Orator will be awarded to the competitor gaining the highest aggregate in both the prepared and impromptu speeches. Champion Orator will receive trophy plus
$100.00. Impromptu speech topics will be given to competitors 2 to 4 mins prior to speaking.
705
PREPARED SPEECH – Open
1st: IP Trophy & $20
2nd: medal & $10
Time limit 5 mins
a) Freedom of Speech … Is it really free? or
b) That Australia has forgotten its youth or
c) One Step at a Time
706
IMPROMPTU SPEECH – Open 1st: $20
2nd: $10
Time limit 3 mins
707
PREPARED SPEECH Years 10, 11, 12 1st: IP Trophy & $20 2nd: medal & $10 Time limit 5 mins
a) Are our children over pampered? or
b) That women in Australia have finally achieved equality or
c) Poverty is a state of mind
708
IMPROMPTU SPEECH Yrs 10, 11, 12 1st: $20 2nd: $10
Time Limit 3 mins
709
PREPARED SPEECH Years 7, 8, 9
Time limit 4 mins
1st: IP Trophy & $20.00 2 n d : $15.00 3 r d : $10
a) Conversation is survival or
b) She’ll be right mate or
c) Consequences
710
IMPROMPTU SPEECH Yrs 7,8,9 1st: $20.00 2 n d : $15.00 3 r d : $10 Time Limit 3 mins
711
PREPARED SPEECH Years 5 & 6
Time Limit 3 mins
1st: Trophy & $10.00 2nd: Trophy & $8.00 3rd: Trophy & $5.00
a) We should not keep secrets or
b) Are computers ruining our brain? or
c) Pets are a pest
712
IMPROMPTU SPEECH Years 5 & 6 1st:$10.00 2nd:$8.00 3rd:$5.00 Time Limit 2 mins
713
PREPARED SPEECH Years 3 & 4
Time limit 3 mins
1st: Trophy & $10.00 2nd: Trophy & $8.00 3rd: Trophy & $5.00
a) The ideal pet for very busy people or
b) What I like best about school or
c) Parents!
714
IMPROMPTU SPEECH Yrs 3 & 4 1st: $10.00 2nd: $8.00 3rd: $5.00
Time limit 2 mins
POETRY WRITING
Entry fee $5.50
Please note: Copy of work to be forwarded to entry secretary WITH ENTRY FORM.
All poems submitted must be in poetic form, not prose.
All poems to be the original work of competitor Competitors need not be present at eisteddfod to be eligible Winning poems will be read
literary merit only
715
Poetry Writing - Years K, 1, 2 - Book voucher
100 words max
716
Poetry Writing - Years 3 & 4 - Book voucher
120 words max
717
Poetry Writing - Years 5 & 6 - Book voucher
150 words max
718
Poetry Writing - High School students - Book voucher
200 words max
719
Poetry Writing - Open - IP Trophy – Book voucher
200 words max
Adjudication on
7 years boys
That Dog
Anne Rooks
9 years boys
Crab Hunting
Bill Scott
Slime around the ankles,
slither to the knees
We go crabbing through
the mangrove trees.
Thick black soft mud,
Oh! Gee! Pooh!
Knee deep, squish, thud,
(there goes a shoe).
Where has Sandra gone?
Did she trip?
Here she comes now -sludge, pong, drip.
Here’s the path out,
it’s not too far -We’ll have to hose her down before
we let her in the car!
Quick, turn the water on,
rub, scrub, do.
See the slush all washing off-Stink! Pong! Pooh!
‘THAT DOG,’ my mother says,
‘Always a nuisance,
Chewing things up,
Making a mess,
HE’S A PEST!
‘THAT DOG,’ my mother says,
“Always annoying,
Chasing the cat,
Tripping me up,
HE’S A PEST!’
‘THAT DOG,’ my mother says,
‘Always a bother,
Trampling the plants,
Grabbing the washing,
HE’S A PEST!’
‘THAT DOG,’ my mother says
‘Always so lovable,
Cute and adorable,
So faithful too,
HE’S A PET!’
I
8 years Girls
Lost
Margaret Speter
8 years boys
The Flying Four
Phyllis Harry
I’ve lost my little baby!
Have you seen him anywhere?
The last time that I saw him
he was on my bedroom chair!
I kept him in my shoe box
near the vase of flowers –
“Oh, where are you, my baby!
I’ve been calling you for hours!”
They built a spaceship in the yard,
It really wasn’t all that hard,
A bit of this, a bit of that,
And WHOOSH…..blast off from launching
pad.
I’ve looked inside my slippers,
and in my chocolate box;
I’ve looked inside my teddy’s scarf,
and in my shoes
and socks!
He’s not inside my ‘jama pocket
or my daddy’s drawer;
I don’t know where else I can look –
He hasn’t been lost before!
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They journeyed to far Microlune
Ten billion miles beyond the moon
To chart the blood-red land, explore.
Oh! They were brave, the Flying Four.
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And there they fought the Macromants,
Black, gigantic, twelve-eyed ants,
And saved a princess and a queen
(Her Spatial Highness Jellybean).
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In gratitude, this royal pair
Begged them to stay, be princes there.
But homework called, and so did tea,
So back they went….temporarily.
He’s my little yellow JELLY baby
and he’s…
Oh!
There he is!
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9 years girls
My Night Visitor
Annette Kosseris
As I peeped out my window
In the middle of the night
A movement on the lower roof
Became an awesome sight.
I saw two little lights shine
(they soon began to blink)
Then they ‘moved’ in the darkness
The blink became a wink!
With eyes adjusted to the dark
I saw a curly tail
And the sweet face of a possum
Near the verandah rail.
Quizzically he looked at me,
As I returned his stare
Something very special
Passed between us there.
He often comes to visit now,
Up to my window-sill.
When he’s not there I close my eyes
And I can see him still…
10 years girls
The Toys Talk of the World
Katharine Pyle
“I should like,” said the vase from the china-store,
“To have seen the world a little more.
“When they carried me here I was wrapped up tight,
But they say it really is a lovely sight.”
“Yes,” said a little plaster bird,
“That is exactly what I have heard;
“There are thousands of trees, and oh, what a sight
It must be when the candles are all alight.”
The fat top rolled on his other side:
“It is not in the least like that,” he cried.
“Except myself and the kite and ball,
None of you know of the world at all.
“There are houses and pavements, hard and red,
And everything spins around,” he said;
“Sometimes it goes slowly, and sometimes fast,
And often it stops with a bump at last.”
The wooden donkey nodded his head;
“I had heard the world was like that,” he said.
The kite and the ball exchanged a smile,
But they did not speak; it was not worthwhile.
6 years & under boys
‘Rocket Song’
Barbara Ireson
Boom off!
Zoom off!
Now we’re on our way.
Our rocket’s left the launching
pad
And we’re in space today.
Drop down!
Plop down!
Get the buggy out.
It’s just the thing upon the
moon
To help us get about.
Crash down!
Splash down!
We go back to a ship
With cheer and claps and
handshakes
To end our first moon trip.
11 years boys
Dad and the Doctor's Surgery
Annette Kosseris
I'm in the doctor's surgery
waiting with my dad;
he's coughing, and he's wheezing
he looks really bad!
I'm feeling very worried,
and I don't know what to do;
he's always been so healthy I think he has the 'flu.
Mum said he's to go to bed
and get a lot of rest;
but he has to have a needle first
to clear up all his chest.
MUM'S had LOTS of needles!
Dad says "It's a cinch!
It doesn't hurt at all,
no more than a little pinch!"
Oh, it's our turn now!... Here we go...
I hope he'll be all right. We'll soon know...
The doctor has the needle ready,
dad's rolling up his sleeve;
I have to turn my head away,
my stomach's start to heave...
"er...er....dad......er...
I'll wait by the door..."
I'm glad my dad is big and brave What's that!... he's hit the floor!
He only pricked your finger, dad;
the rest is still to come!
I think he's FAINTED, doctor!...
Please don't tell my mum!
6 years and under girls
Daddy Fell Into The Pond
11 years girls
Wild Australian Bilby
Annette McBurnie
Alfred Noyes
Everyone grumbled. The sky was grey,
We had nothing to do and nothing to say.
We were nearing the end of a dismal day,
And when there seemed to be nothing beyond,
Then
Daddy fell into the pond!
And everyone’s face grew merry and bright,
And Timothy danced for sheer delight.
“Give me the camera, quick, oh quick!
He’s crawling out of the duckweed!” Click!
Then he gardener suddenly slapped his knee,
And doubled up, shaking silently,
And the ducks all quacked as if they were daft,
And it sounded as if the old drake laughed.
Oh, there wasn’t a thing that didn’t respond
When
Daddy fell into the pond!
10 Years boys
The Twelfth Man
Max Fatchen
I’m always twelfth man
Though I do what I can
But somehow they never can see
That my spinners have turn
And I‘m willing to learn.
It’s strange that they never choose me.
I’ve taken a catch
In a very hard match.
I’m loudest when making appeals.
I think it a shame
As the hope of the game
I’m simply left kicking my heels.
You can always rely
That I’ll save the leg bye.
I’m a player as cool as a cat.
Do you know what they DID,
Picked another daft kid,
Because of his quality bat?
So when I’m a star
Where the Test matches are,
The bowlers will tremble and pray.
WHAT, someone has mumps?
Oh bring out the stumps.
Hurray, I’ll be playing today.
Mr Bilby you’re so cute
Just as Aussie as a Holden ute,
With your long pointy ears and elongated
snout,
You scurry along and roundabout.
The deserts and grasslands are where you’re
at,
But make sure you wear your Akubra hat,
A mammal on the endangered list,
Bilby, you’re in danger – so hiss and spit!
The trouble is…… you’re no trouble!
Small and cute and soft to cuddle,
Reserved and shy with no demands,
You eke out your living in barren lands.
You wear a coat of grey and white,
And for your survival, we must fight!
You have no need for a “Drizabone”,
But you deserve a place that’s “home”.
Your look alike in the Aussie outback,
Peter Rabbit has got the sack!
The cute and cuddly bunny
Is no longer very funny.
Rabbits are lovely: but a feral pest!
And have now become an unwelcome guest.
But rabbits are great – make no mistake,
As long as they’re stuffed, or on a plate!
7 years girls
Birthday Tea
Rowena L. Stent
I’m going to have a Birthday
And Mummy’s bound to say:
“Now what would you like for a Birthday Treat?
You choose the dinner today.”
What shall it be? Oh, what shall it be?
Ice-cream and sausages? Lots of chips
With steak?
Perhaps a cherry or a chocolate cake?
There are so many special things it could be
I don’t know what to choose for a Birthday tea.
So when it comes my Birthday
Then Mum will say to me:
“If you cant’ decide, I’ll have to choose the
treat.
Out and play till it’s time to eat,”
What can I smell cooking?
What can it be?
Fruit cake all spicy? Juicy apple pie?
Pink Meringue with cream piled high?
There are so many special things it could be.
Oh, it’s always fun at my Birthday tea.
12 years boys
Possums
Ann Coleridge
We’ve possums in our roof – how very sweet!
You’d think I’d hear the patter of their feet,
You’d think I’d wake sometimes from peaceful sleep
Aroused by gently rustling as they creep
On rafters in our spider-muffled loft.
You’d think I’d hear them scamper, velvet-soft,
These smoky shadows flitting overhead
With delicate and dainty-tripping tread.
HUH!
They thunder round the racetrack of the beams,
Then organise themselves in football teams;
Their games are much like ousr are, on the whole
I’ll s wear I’ve heard triumphant yells of ‘Goal!”,
A frightful thud as two of them collide,
And uproar as they bellow out “offside!”
Then scuffles, whacks and wallops they fight,
A thumping possum rumpus in the night.
15 & 16 years
Old Woman
Elizabeth Jennings
So much she caused she cannot now account for
As she stands watching day return, the cool
Walls of the house moving towards the sun.
She puts some flowers in a vase and thinks
“There is not much I can arrange
In here and now, but flowers are suppliant
As children never were. And love is now
A flicker of memory, my body is
My own entirely. When I lie at night
I gather nothing now into my arms,
No child or man, and where I live
Is what remains when men and children go.
Yet she owns more than residue of lives
That she has marked and altered. See how she
Warns time from too much touching her possessions
By keeping flowers fed by polishing
Her fine old silver. Gratefully
She sees her own glance printed on grandchildren.
Drawing the curtains back and opening windows
Every morning now, she feels her years
Grow less and less. Time puts no burden on
Her now she does not need to measure it.
It is acceptance she arranges
And her own life she places in the vase.
13 & 14 years
The Runaway
Robert Frost
Once when the snow of the year was beginning to fall,
We stopped by a mountain pasture to say 'Whose colt?'
A little Morgan had one forefoot on the wall,
The other curled at his breast. He dipped his head
And snorted at us. And then he had to bolt.
We heard the miniature thunder where he fled,
And we saw him, or thought we saw him, dim and grey,
Like a shadow against the curtain of falling flakes.
'I think the little fellow's afraid of the snow.
He isn't winter-broken. It isn't play
With the little fellow at all. He's running away.
I doubt if even his mother could tell him, "Sakes,
It's only weather". He'd think she didn't know !
Where is his mother? He can't be out alone.'
And now he comes again with a clatter of stone
And mounts the wall again with whited eyes
And all his tail that isn't hair up straight.
He shudders his coat as if to throw off flies.
'Whoever it is that leaves him out so late,
When other creatures have gone to stall and bin,
Ought to be told to come and take him in.'
12 years Girls
The Bully Asleep
John Walsh
This afternoon, when grassy
Scents through the classroom crept,
Bill Craddock laid his head
Down on his desk, and slept.
The children came round him:
Jimmy, Roger, and Jane;
They lifted his head timidly
And let it sink again.
‘Look, he’s gone sound asleep Miss’,
Said Jimmy Adair;
‘He stays up all the night, you see;
His mother doesn’t care.’
‘Stand away from him children.’
Miss Andrews stopped to see.
‘Yes, he’s asleep; go on
With your writing, and let him be.’
‘Now’s a good chance!’ whispered Jimmy,
And he snatched Bill’s pen and hid it.
‘Kick him under the desk, hard;
He won’t know who did it’
‘Fill all his pockets with rubbish –
Paper, apple-cores, chalk.
’
So they plotted, while Jane
Sat wide-eyed at their talk.
Not caring, not hearing,
Bill Craddock he slept on;
Lips parted, eyes closed –
Their cruelty gone.
‘Stick him with pins!’ muttered Roger.
‘Ink down his neck!’ said Jim.
But Jane, tearful and foolish,
Wanted to comfort him.
Pushing in front of the ice cream line.
Pamela Purse yelled, “Ladies First,”
Grabbing the ketchup at dinner time.
Climbing on the morning bus
She’d shove right by all of us
And there’d be a tiff or a fight or a fuss
When Pamela Purse yelled, “Ladies First.”
Pamela Purse screamed, “Ladies First,”
Choral Speech - Years 5 & 6
Gypsies
Rachel Field
Last night the gypsies came Nobody knows from where.
Where they’ve gone to nobody knows,
And nobody seems to care!
Between the trees on the old swamp road
I saw them round their fire:
Tattered children and dogs that barked
As the flames leaped high and higher;
There were black-eyed girls in scarlet shawls,
Old folk wrinkled with years,
Men with handkerchiefs round their throats
And silver loops in their ears.
Ragged and red like maple leaves
When frost comes in the Fall,
The gypsies stayed but a single night;
In the morning gone were all Never a shaggy gypsy dog,
Never a gypsy child;
Only a burnt-out gypsy fire
Where danced that band so wild.
All gone and away,
Who knows where?
Only the wind that sweeps
Maple branches bare.
Choral Speech - Small Schools
Voices of the Wind
Dulcie Meddows
“Hush,” says the wind…”Hush, go slow.
Come with me, walk with me, tip, tippy-toe.
Lazily, lazily, over the ground,
Whispering, whispering, whirling around”
“Whoosh!” says the wind. “Whoosh! go fast!
Rush with me, gust with me, feel my cold blast!
Play with me, chase with me, come now and race
with me
Willingly, thrillingly, blow and be free!”
“Seethe,” says the wind. “Whistle and cry.
Roar with me, soar with me howling on high.
Curious, furious, weeping a wail….
Huff with me puff with me, shrieking a gale”!
Wind…wind…I feel you, as you pass through,
And though I can’t see you, I see what you do.
Sing softly, sing loudly, blow slowly, blow
strong!
I am the dry leaf you are pushing along.
I am the dry leaf who would join you in song.
Come push me, come push me,
Come whoosh me along.
Whooooooosh!!
Choral Speech years 1 & 2
The Groplejum
Phyllis Harry
In the cellar there’s a sound
Like something nasty moving round
“The wind,” Dad says,
“The cat”, says Mum
But I know it’s the Groplejum.
The Groplejum sleeps in the day
But when it’s dark he starts to stray,
Seeking what I do not know.
I wish he’d go, I wish he’d go.
He’s terrible. He snarls. He roars,
One foot has toes, the other claws.
And oh, the horror of his eyes!
They’re liquorice-black and big as pies.
His mouth’s a cave. His awful tongue
Is cheesy blue, a metre long,
And when he breathes the air round glows
With flames that rush out through his nose.
When it’s sunny, when it’s bright,
I enjoy the Grople, quite,
I add a detail here and there
Like meat-hook hands and orange hair,
But come the night, I always feel
This prowling monster’s real as real.
And then I’m sorry I invented
The Groplejum, however splendid.
Choral Speech Kindergarten/Year 1 composite class
Little Things
Dulcie Meddows
Little pigs aren’t very neat,
They often have quite dirty feet.
Little kittens show more care,
They wash their faces, shine their hair.
Little elephants are clumpy slow,
They need a push to make them go.
Little puppies on the other hand
Slip through your fingers, just like sand.
Little squirrels all chirpy, cheeky,
Dart to and fro with noses tweaky.
And little possums, so peacefully,
Sleep all day long in the highest tree.
While little snails as they crawl around
Write silver snail words on the ground.
Little spiders use their feet
Wrapping up the food they eat.
And little calves are mostly noise:
The same as little girls and boys.
17 years and over
Schoolmistress Miss Humm
Clive Sansom
Straight-backed as a Windsor chair
She stood on the top playground step
And surveyed her Saturnalian kingdom.
At 8:45 precisely, she stiffened
(If that were possible), produced a key
- A large, cold dungeon key Placed it below her lip, and blew.
No summons from Heaven itself
(It was a church school) was more imperious!
No angel trumpet or Mosean thunder-clap
Calling the Israelites to doom or repentance
Met swifter obedience. No Gorgon
Suspended life with such efficiency.
In the middle of a shout, a scream,
We halted. Our faces froze.
No longer George or Tom or Mary,
But forty reproductions of a single child,
Chilled to conformity. We gathered
Like captive troops and, climbing steps
Received the inspection of her cool eyes,
Willing them away from unwashed necks
Or black-ringed fingernails,
But knowing our very thoughts were visible
If she chose to see. Nothing escaped her.
She was (as I said, a church school)
God, St Michael, the Recording Angel
And, in our guiltier moments, Lucifer A Lucifer in long tweed skirts
And a blouse severely fastened at the neck
By a round cameo that was no ornament
But the outward sign of inward authority.
Even the Rector, when he stepped inside
And the brown walls rumbled to his voice
Dwindled to a curate ...
It would have astonished us to learn, I think,
That she ate supper, went to bed,
And even, perhaps, on occasions, slept.
Choral Speech – Special Needs Class
Cows
James Reeves
Half the time they munched the grass, and all the time they lay
Down in the water-meadows, the lazy month of May,
A-chewing,
A-mooing,
To pass the hours away.
"Nice weather," said the brown cow.
"Ah," said the white.
"Grass is very tasty."
"Grass is all right."
Half the time they munched the grass, and all the time they lay
Down in the water-meadows, the lazy month of May,
A-chewing,
A-mooing,
To pass the hours away.
"Rain coming," said the brown cow.
"Ah," said the white.
"Flies is very tiresome."
"Flies bite."
Half the time they munched the grass, and all the time they lay
Down in the water-meadows, the lazy month of May,
A-chewing,
A-mooing,
To pass the hours away.
"Time to go," said the brown cow.
"Ah,"’ said the white.
"Nice chat," "Very pleasant."
"Night.""Night."
Half the time they munched the grass, and all the time they lay
Down in the water-meadows, the lazy month of May,
A-chewing,
A-mooing,
To pass the hours away.
Choral Speech Years 3 & 4
Transylvania Dreaming
Colin McNaughton
In the middle of the night
When you're safe in bed
And the doors are locked
And the cats are fed
And it's much too bright
And sleep won't come
And there's something wrong
And you want your mum
And you hear a noise
And you see a shape
And it looks like a bat
Or a man in a cape
And you dare not breathe
And your heart skips a beat
And your cold as ice
From your head to your feet
And you say a prayer
And you swear to be good
And you'd run for your life
If you only could
And you eyes are WIDE
And stuck on stalks
As the thing in black
Towards you walks
And the room goes dark
And you faint clean away
And you don't wake up
Till the very next day…
And you open your eyes
And the sun is out
And you jump out of bed
And you sing and shout,
"It was only a dream! "
And you dance around the room
And your heart is as light
As a Helium balloon
And your mum rushes in
And says, "Hold on a sec…
What are those two little
holes in your neck? "