A talented Year 8 pupil has delivered a moving performance of Jessie Pope’s “Who’s for the Game?” as part of her LAMDA Reading for Performance Grade 4 assessment.
Isabel chose the poem as part of her wider theme, “Delusions and Realities of War,” exploring how early First World War poetry often framed the conflict as a noble, almost heroic venture – a far cry from the brutal truth faced by soldiers on the front line.
Her sensitive interpretation highlighted the contrast between the poem’s patriotic rallying cry and the devastating human cost that followed.
Drama Teacher Mrs Blackmore said:
“I couldn’t be prouder of the maturity and insight Isabel showed in her performance. She looked beyond the words to expose the delusions of war with real depth and conviction. It was a thoughtful and powerful reading.”
Isabel’s work serves not only as an impressive piece of performance for her qualification, but also as a poignant reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who served. As the school marked Remembrance earlier this week, her reading offered a timely reflection on how language, propaganda and poetic persuasion shaped public understanding during the war.
You can watch Isabel’s performance on the Rookwood School website.