National Poetry Day Haiku Competition 2026

Congratulations to all the MCS pupils who took part in our poetry competition earlier this month. Held to mark National Poetry Day, the competition attracted almost 150 entries in our haiku-inspired challenge.

The entries demonstrated a wonderful range of creativity, alongside the skill of writing in the style of the haiku: a traditional Japanese poem of three lines, typically comprising 17 syllables in a 5-7-5 pattern, which captures a fleeting moment or image, often inspired by nature.

Well done to our winners: Alexander (Upper Fourth), 1st Prize; Evan (Third Form), 2nd Prize; and Sophie (Lower Sixth), Joel (Upper Sixth) and Han (Lower Fourth), who shared Third Prize.

Among our favourite haikus were:

• The waves wash away
  all images on the sand
  to be lost at sea.
  Alexander
• The rice noodles steam
  in the patterned dark green bowl
  I am hungry now
  Evan
• Woke up too early
  A cup of hot chocolate
  No need to hurry
  Sophie
• The Jar
  I sit in the chair
  The dentist smiles at his work
  Add four to the jar
  Joel
• The ball scrapes the post
  The disappointed crowd gasps
  The game continues
  Han