Today saw the announcement of the winners of the first ever Farsley Springbank Writing Competition. The children were set the challenge of producing a piece of writing of their choice before half-term and we have received some fantastic entries. From stories to poems to newspaper articles there was a whole host of genres of writing that were an absolute joy to read. Such was the standard we decided to call upon our patron of reading and writing, author Hilary Robinson, to make the decision for us. Hilary took the writing over the weekend and spent time going through the entries before finally settling on a winner in each age group. We announced those winners in assembly today where there were presentations for both the age-group winners as well as certificates for highly commended pieces of writing. It was thoroughly exciting and the beginning of what we hope will become an annual event.

The winners of the competition were as follows:

Category 1 - Years 1 and 2:

Winner - Morris McCann.

The Mystery by Morris McCann

 

Hilary's Notes:

'The narrative was skilfully and imaginatively woven and careful thought had been given to the plot, the element of suspense and the denouement. Direct speech was expertly entwined and readers develop a real sense of place.  Well done!'

Highly Commended - Charlie Love, Emily Lower, Harry Ward.

Category 2 - Years 3 and 4:

Winner - Hannah Targett.

The Congo by Hannah Targett

 

Hilary's Notes:

'A well structured and considered response to the implications involved in undertaking a major change in life.  Writing about emotional situations in our lives can help to process our thoughts (therapeutic) and, in this case, prepare us for change. The Congo exemplified this perfectly in that it broke down the essential elements involved in preparing, adjusting and adapting to a new, but ultimately, exciting new way of living!'

Highly Commended - Nathan Dutton, Sophie Greenbank.

Category 3 - Years 5 and 6:

Winner - Zak Fairclough.

The Eruption of Mount Merap! by Zak Fairclough

 

Hilary's Notes:

Interesting approach to writing in that this observational account could have been adapted to fit several formats -  a story, a report/feature or even a letter home.  Imaginative use of vocabulary, a sense of wonder, awe, tension and fear was well communicated through tone and structure.  A great illustrations of how geography and science can be expertly woven into exciting, fictional narrative.  It is also a beautifully presented piece of work.'

Highly Commended - Esther Umoru, Miriam Molokwu,

Gretel Price, Ria Clarke.

If you wish to read any of the entries then please go to the 'Class Pages' section of the website where you will find the 'Springbank Writing Competition 2019 folder' - this also contains all of the photos from the event.