Young Authors' Prize

This project is designed to inspire budding authors in Years 3 to 11, and is an annual creative writing competition traditionally attracting over 500 entries from students in schools across Wolverhampton and its surrounding regions. 

This year's theme was 'Hope' and students had to write a short story of no more than 400 words.

More than 100 finalists were invited to the Grand Final on Tuesday 14th February at Wolverhampton Grammar School, headed up by Author, Cliff McNish who ran activities for the students. The winners and runners-up in each category received a trophy and their story will be recorded as an audiobook.

Aims

This project aims to inspire and encourage more children to improve their creative writing. At the same time to gain a greater appreciation for literacy and reading.

Background

The project was devised by Head Librarian, Zoe Rowley in order to get more children writing creatively. It is in its third year and attracting more entries each time.

Resources

Wolverhampton Grammar School secured a well-known author to host the Grand Finale and share his knowledge with invited students. The event was hosted by the School and transport was provided to some of the visiting schools.

Pupil Involvement

500 pupils took part, with 108 from 8 schools attending the prize ceremony. 17 students participated from Wolverhampton Grammar School with the remaining pupils all coming from local state schools.

Frequency

This is an annual event and will be repeated again next year.