T S Eliot

Isabel, who is studying English Art and Philosophy, submitted an essay on Simon Armitage's Tyranosaurus Rex versus the Corduroy Kid, which will be published in the English and Media Centre's e-magazine. She will also attend the T S Eliot Prize Readings on Sunday 14th January and the Award Ceremony on Monday 15th January, where she will meet the winner of the T S Eliot Prize 2006.

On learning that her essay had won the Shadowing Scheme competition, Isabel said:

'I am very surprised to have won! I am especially looking forward to hearing the poets read aloud - it will be really interesting to see how their readings compare to the interpretations and ideas we discussed in response to the poems. It was an incredibly enjoyable experience to be involved in a judging group for the T S Eliot Prize, having the chance to discover new poets and approach poetry in a challenging, free and personal way outside of a structured classroom environment.'

Isabel's teacher, Ayesha Khan, ran special extra-curricular sessions for her students to talk about the T S Eliot Prize shortlist. She commented:

'I've really enjoyed experiencing contemporary poets with sixth formers. It has allowed them to see a wdier perspective - that poetry goes well beyond the boundaries of the examination syllabus.'

The T S Eliot Prize was inaugurated in 1993 to celebrate the Poetry Book Society's 40th birthday and to honour its founding poet. It is awarded annually to the writer of the best single author collection of new poetry to be published in Britain and Ireland.