Article Source: Explore Learning
Last Updated: 20 May 2014 10:57
Once upon a time Explore Learning launched the first ever National Young Writers’ Award. Children all across the land took their chance to delve deep into their imagination and write a story that captured the judges’ attentions and win themselves a prize of £500 worth of books for their school and a trip to the fairytale kingdom of Disneyland Paris for their whole family.
Since launching six years ago, hundreds of thousands of children all over the country have taken part, overwhelming the team at Explore Learning with tales of time travelling bears, of magical musical instruments, of lost letters and of heroes undertaking electrifying journeys that have made them laugh, and cry.
This year’s theme of ‘fairytales and fables’ is anticipated to attract more stories than ever before as children share their tales of princes and princesses, of dungeons and dragons, of witches and mermaids and goblins and giants!
Explore Learning is seeking talented young writers to enter this year’s National Young Writers’ Awards. The challenge is to write a short story which should be no more than 500 words. From stories inspired by teaching a moral to tales of mythical creatures, this year’s theme is your chance to write a story unlike any you’ve written before!
Previous judges of the competition have so far included some of the UK’s most prolific authors, like Cressida Cowell, Alan Durant and Andy Cope – and this year is no different with award winning illustrator and author of the Tom Gates series of books, Liz Pichon taking the mantle. With countless awards for the hugely popular Tom Gates, she is perfectly positioned to review this year’s stories and inspire even more children to put pen to paper and give writing a try.
Liz says: “I’m thrilled to be the judge of this year’s National Young Writers’ Award. Competitions like this are a fantastic way to encourage as many children as possible to put pen to paper and write their OWN stories. I’m really looking forward to reading them so good luck to everyone and have some FUN!”
Last year’s victor was eight year old, Shathana Sivanesavajah from Tooting, London, who was awarded her prize by 2013 judge, Cressida Cowell.
Those wishing to enter can do so on the Explore Learning website, which can be accessed from http://www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters. Alternatively, entry forms can be collected and handed in to our Explore Learning centre in East Kilbride, which is based inside Sainsbury's in the Kingsgate Retail Park.
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