International Prize-Winners

We’re absolutely delighted for three of our Year 10 pupils who have achieved outstanding success in an international competition. The Laurels achieved a 1st place, 3rd place and a commendation in the charity Never Such Innocence’s annual event for 9 – 18-year-olds. 

It was worth a special trip for Chief Executive of Never Such Innocence, Katie Salari, who came to school to surprise the girls with news of their success during a music lesson. 

Almost 3000 entrants, from 60 countries, submitted poetry, art and speeches, as well as musical pieces, all answering the question, ‘What does war mean to you?’ 

Coming first in the song competition is particularly poignant for Kseniia, who joined us just last May from Ukraine. Her piece, ‘Void’, is based on a dream she experienced in the build-up to the invasion and is pop-style, featuring electric piano, guitar, a drumbeat and cello.   

Third prize winner Catheline’s composition merges English, French, Ukrainian and Spanish in a piece called Conflict, written with a piano accompaniment in musical theatre style and inspired by West-End show Hamilton. 

Isa meanwhile was short-listed for Parar, a vocal duet with a string quartet. 

All three girls study GCSE Music at The Laurels and were encouraged to enter by Director of Music, Dr Grace Gates. She said: ‘The girls worked incredibly well together, motivating each other to create three superb pieces. It’s wonderful that the judges thought so too!’ 

Headmistress Mrs Sanders said, ‘I am so pleased for the girls, for Dr Gates and for The Laurels. Their achievements are remarkable and are testament to their dedication and friendship. The girls found exploring the idea of war challenging, particularly because of Kseniia’s recent experiences, but have deepened their understanding and really met the charity’s aims, to inspire cultural dialogue and exchange. 

The girls will have the opportunity to meet other prize-winners, from 23 other countries, in an online event very soon and there will be a further live event in due course.