A few weeks ago, the Theatre was transformed into a vibrant rainforest as Year 5 students took to the stage for their Rainforest Poetry Recital. Parents and a selection of Year 6 students filled the seats, ready to be transported into the tropical world the children had created through their words, movement and sound.

The children had been exploring how poets use imagery, rhythm and sound to capture mood and atmosphere. Inspired by their rainforest learning, they crafted poems that combined rich description with powerful emotion. Each class selected one poem to perform as a group, allowing every student to contribute to bringing their shared piece to life.

Working with Ms Alexa, Primary Drama teacher, students rehearsed their performances, learning how to project their voices, vary their tone and use gesture to express meaning. These sessions helped them develop confidence, teamwork and an appreciation of how spoken language can move an audience.

The Theatre itself reflected the theme beautifully. Flowers and greenery framed the stage, creating a sense of stepping into the rainforest. The children’s clothing added to the atmosphere — some wore shades of green, others bright tropical colours and one class chose striking black outfits to symbolise the shadowy depths of the forest floor. When the lights dimmed and the performances began, the audience was immersed in a world of rustling leaves, tropical rains and birdsong.

Each class brought its own interpretation and energy to the recital. Some performances were rhythmic and bold, others soft and reflective, but all were unified by a shared enthusiasm and respect for the natural world. A particular highlight was a humorous poem told from the perspective of an orangutan, who enthusiastically described the joys of snacking on ants — a performance that sparked delighted laughter from the audience and showed the children’s talent for blending scientific knowledge with playful creativity.

The judging panel, made up of teachers from both the Primary and Secondary Schools, praised the students for their confident performances and creative choices. They commented on how clearly the children communicated emotion and meaning and how effectively they worked together to transform written poems into living, breathing pieces of art. Their feedback was full of admiration for the students’ imagination and teamwork.

As the final group took their bow, the applause filled the theatre. Smiles and proud faces could be seen everywhere – among the performers, the audience and their teachers. The recital was not only a showcase of performance skills but also a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the joy of learning.

Through their poetry, the Year 5 students reminded everyone present of the beauty and importance of the rainforest, and of the power of words to inspire and connect. It was a memorable afternoon that captured the heart of what learning at Patana is all about: curiosity, creativity and confidence.