TWO tutors have been celebrating their success and their students' results at this year's Isle of Wight Music, Dance and Drama Festival (IWMDDF).

Ellen Weeks is vice-chair of the festival, the speech and drama section coordinator, an independent teacher for students at Ryde School and private students from other schools, and also a long-term festival competitor.

She was awarded the Sir Robert Hobart Rose Bowl for her score of 92, which was the highest mark in the speech and drama section.

In Class 481 Prepared Reading, Ellen received her mark of 92 and also achieved marks of 91, 90, 90 and 89 in Sight Reading Senior, Improvised Speaking and Verse Speaking Senior classes.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ellen Weeks with her trophies after success at the IWMDDFEllen Weeks with her trophies after success at the IWMDDF (Image: Ellen Weeks)

Adjudicator Cally Foster said, on two occasions, that Ellen’s performances were a PDPM (Put Down Pen Moment), describing them as a masterclass.

Ellen’s 92 mark is the highest awarded in the speech and drama section for several years.

She said: “It was lovely to see all the children benefiting from this marvellous learning experience. 

“The speech and drama section of the festival gives young people the opportunity to speak out loud with confidence, in a safe and supportive environment, in front of an audience.

“This important life skill will enable them to develop a confident persona that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.

“The earlier they can have this opportunity, the better.”

Isle of Wight County Press: Both pupils of Ellen Weeks, Isabelle Hughes and April Smith are duologue winners, and Isabelle also saw solo success in the verse speakingBoth pupils of Ellen Weeks, Isabelle Hughes and April Smith are duologue winners, and Isabelle also saw solo success in the verse speaking (Image: Louise Hughes)

Many of her students were successful, and the County Press has featured some of them in our IWMDDF galleries, including Nathaniel Craggs, who entered three classes, dramatic scene, verse speaking and prose speaking, winning all three.

Cally Foster also awarded him the Joy Hall Trophy for a memorable performance in the drama section.

Isle of Wight County Press: Evan, winner of the 12 years verse speaking boy's solo, and Jonah Greszczyszyn Rico, second-place in the 8 years verse speaking soloEvan, winner of the 12 years verse speaking boy's solo, and Jonah Greszczyszyn Rico, second-place in the 8 years verse speaking solo (Image: Stephen Greszczyszyn)

Piano teacher Rosie Hayward has also had several entries in this year’s IWMDDF, including her children Polly and Ellen Careless.

Polly won the 7-9 years piano solo, and Ellen won first-place in grade 4-5 piano solo, who ‘sparkled throughout’ according to the adjudicator.

Bryon Husband, adjudicator for Polly’s performance, said: "This was rather fierce! It was also confident, fluent and very steady in pulse. You projected well, counted well - even spoke well!"

Isle of Wight County Press: Proud mum and piano teacher Rosie Hayward with Ellen and Polly CarelessProud mum and piano teacher Rosie Hayward with Ellen and Polly Careless (Image: Rosie Hayward)

Ellen and Rosie also won the 12 years and over and teacher/parent grade 4-5 piano solo, with their performance of the Beatles ‘Eleanor Rigby’.

Many of Rosie’s students came away with success at the festival with nine winners in eight categories, including Ernie Largridge in the pre-grade and grade 1 piano solo, Jess Judd in grade 2-3 piano solo, Florence Fradgley in grade 3-4 piano contemporary and Berrie Chatfield and Connie Cronin in the piano duet 11 years and under.