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Off by Heart

More than 1500 schools took part in a national poetry recitation competition, the first of its kind, and this documentary follows the 12 children who progress to the final.

Primary school children from across the country take part in a national poetry recitation competition - the first of its kind. More than 1500 schools signed up to take part, and the film follows 12 children who progress from regional heats to a grand final.

Compered by Jeremy Paxman, the final takes place in front of 600 people at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford, where the children face a judging panel that includes Philip Pullman, Benjamin Zephaniah and Dawn Postans, Head of Examinations at LAMDA. From the 1500 schools who originally signed up, the 12 finalists have already achieved much by getting this far, but who will be crowned the eventual winner?

1 hour, 29 minutes

Last on

Tue 7 Jul 200902:00

Credits

RoleContributor
ParticipantJeremy Paxman
ParticipantPhilip Pullman
ParticipantBenjamin Zephaniah

Broadcasts

  • Fri 22 May 200919:30
  • Fri 22 May 200921:00
  • Sat 6 Jun 200918:00
  • Mon 15 Jun 200913:00
  • Tue 7 Jul 200901:30
  • Tue 7 Jul 200902:00