Poetry by Heart
Choose a Poem, Learn it, Recite it
In 2015, ELSA partnered with the UK National Competition, Poetry by Heart, to bring the event to its network of member schools. The high school competition was a huge success and soon more than 25 international schools in France and abroad were taking part.
ELSA now organizes three different levels of competition running this year: Primary, Middle School and High School. Participating schools organize in-school competitions to identify the finalists who will compete at the inter-school finals.
The grand winner of the High School competition is invited to attend the London Final at the Globe Theater.
Celebrating our Partnership with Poetry by Heart
Since ELSA launched the French Poetry by Heart high school recitation competition in 2015, we have been honored to become the official partner of the UK's Poetry by Heart in France.
Each year, the winner of our high school competition is invited to the Poetry by Heart Final at Shakespeare's Globe in London, where they perform as a special guest alongside the UK's finalists. This unique opportunity celebrates our shared love of poetry and strengthens the longstanding partnership between our two organisations.
We are deeply grateful to Julie Blake and Tim Shortis for their trust, friendship, and support. Their vision and encouragement have helped this partnership flourish over the years.
Today, Poetry by Heart is ELSA's flagship student program. What began as a high school competition has grown into a nationwide event for primary, middle, and high school students, inspiring English-speaking learners across France to discover the joy of learning, performing, and sharing poetry.
2027 Poetry by Heart Competitions
We are currently in the planning stages for our next Poetry by Heart competition, which will take place in 2027. Watch this space or follow us on LinkedIn for updates. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us.