Primary Schools’ Writing Competition 2018

Launched to coincide with the centenary of the end of World War 1 and the amazing Fields of Battle, Lands of Peace photography exhibition sited in Cathedral Square throughout September, this autumn’s competition invited children from primary schools across the city and county to submit entries in any genre of writing on the theme of The First World War.

Most of the children who entered the competition had viewed Michael St Maur-Shiel’s exhibition, which provided a strong stimulus to the enthusiasm and compassion they showed in their work. Many had also come along to our theatre at King’s in September to hear Michael talk about The Great War, which further inspired them to write.

The competition was organised by King’s staff Andrew Maund, Head of English, and Sue Mason, Primary Schools’ Liaison, and judged by a committed team of four of our English A Level students, Heather Crowte, Annie Park, Jemima Thrush and Grace Williams. The range and quality of entries was extremely impressive, ranging from diary entries and letters to powerful, expressive poetry. It was clear that the judges had a challenge ahead of them!

The team of judges commented how impressed they were by the wide range and excellent quality of the children’s writing which was submitted. “The enthusiasm of all those pupils who took part was clear in all their work, which was often illustrated with their own drawings. It was really difficult to choose the winners, as we each had our particular favourites, so we had to spend a long time in discussion and debate over the relative merits of each.”

However difficult it proved to be, winners in three year group categories were finally selected by the judging panel. They are:

Marcus Charman, Castlemorton C.E. Primary School (Year 6)

Melina Marucci, Welland C.E. Primary School (Year 5)

Charlie Aitchison-Turvey, Broadheath C.E. Primary School (Year 4)

Their entries, two poems and a diary entry, really impressed the judges with the depth of their understanding and the expressiveness of their language choices.

Nine very worthy young writers were highly commended by the judges:

Christopher Beacham, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Primary School (Year 6)

Yvaine Layland, Welland C.E. Primary School (Year 5)

Harry Pickup, Broadheath C.E. Primary School (Year 4)

Neve Benning, Sofia Hill, Hannah Jackson and Charlotte Knight (Year 6), Castlemorton Primary School

Emma Brasington and Charlotte Nelmes (Year 5), Castlemorton C.E. Primary School

In December, the organisers and judges had the enormous pleasure and privilege to be welcomed to the winners’ schools to present prizes in special celebratory assemblies and to congratulate these brilliant young writers in person.

Worcester MP Robin Walker has taken an enthusiastic interest in the competition from the outset, and is writing to the winners personally to congratulate them on their stunning work.

We are already making plans for our Primary Schools’ Writing Competition 2019/20, and can’t wait to read lots more fantastic pieces of work from talented young writers in Worcestershire schools!