NSW Public Schools Poetry Slam
NSW Public Schools Poetry Slam is a competition for individual students in Years 5 to 11 attending government secondary schools.
NSW Public Schools Poetry Slam 2025 state final winners
The final took place at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Students from across NSW performed original spoken-word poems responding to this year’s theme, For the Wild. Their performances showed strong craft, clear ideas and a commitment to speaking up for the natural world.
The judges announced the following winners.
Primary division
Runner-up: Ophelia H – Bondi Beach Public School
Champion: Bonny V – Keiraville Public School
Secondary division
Runner-up: Nusaibah M – Blacktown Girls High School
Champion: Isabella D – Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts
We congratulate all finalists and thank participating schools for supporting student voice and creativity.
State finalists
Congratulations to all finalist poets on an excellent standard of competition, making judging very tricky work!
The following students completed in their primary and secondary cohorts at the state final at Taronga Zoo on Friday 5 December 2025.
| Student | School |
|---|---|
| Aamenah | Orange Public School |
| Sammy | Mona Vale Public School |
| Sailee | Ironbark Ridge Public School |
| Jax | Wellington Public School |
| Bonny | Keiraville Public School |
| Kamyab | North Kellyville Public School |
| Ophelia | Bondi Beach Public School |
| Isabella | Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts |
| Grace | Inner Sydney High School |
| Yustina | St George Girls High School |
| Joanna | Blayney High School |
| Nusaibah | Blacktown Girls High School |
| Tanya | Quirindi High School |
| Dishita | Girraween High School |
Competition rules
- All poems must be the student’s own original work.
- All poems must incorporate the phrase ‘For the wild’ somewhere within the performance. This phrase can be interpreted widely but poems should explore an aspect related to the environment. Suggested topics are listed above.
- All performers must be students currently enrolled at a NSW public school in Years 5 to 11.
Prizes
All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
State finalists will receive:
- a family pass (the speaker and 3 family members) to Taronga Zoo
- a silver medallion
- a stationery prize pack from ACCO Brands Australia.
The state champion will receive:
- a family pass (the speaker and 3 family members) to Western Plains Zoo
- a trophy
- a deluxe prize pack from ACCO Brands Australia.
Judging criteria
In round 1, submissions will be judged on:
- interpretation and development of the chosen thematic concept – ‘For the wild’
- depth of exploration of environmental, conservation and sustainability themes
- technical proficiency
- structural coherence
- clarity of delivery and performance skills.
Round 2 finalists and the state champion will be judged using the same criteria as above in addition to their ability to engage a live audience.
Videos – state finals
Expression of interest in Poetry Slam
The 2025 Poetry Slam is proudly supported by ACCO Brands Australia, and Venue Partner Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
All Arts Unit programs are inclusive. If support is required to participate in NSW Public Schools Poetry Slam, please email [email protected] so we can assist.
