Back by popular demand, children from all over the country will compete in one of the biggest writing contests of the year – taking on the challenge of putting pen to paper and writing a 500 word story to the theme of ‘Strange Events & Peculiar Happenings’. And the deadline for entrance is Friday 5th June so this is their last chance to get creative and have a go!
Since launching seven years ago, tens of thousands of children have battled it out to be crowned National Young Writer of the Year where they are awarded the coveted prize of a trip to Disneyland Paris for their whole family – and £500 worth of books for their school! The contest is organised by English and maths tuition provider, Explore Learning, which has 112 centres located across the country.
This year’s theme of ‘Strange Events & Peculiar Happenings’ is anticipated to attract more entries than ever before as children are encouraged to let their imaginations go wild and tell stories of the most peculiar happening or strange events they can think of!
Previous judges of the competition have so far included some of the UK’s most prolific authors, like Cressida Cowell, Liz Pichon, Andy Cope and Alan Durant and this year’s judge is none other than author of the hugely popular The World of Norm series of books, Jonathan Meres. A former stand-up comedian, he has won a Time Out award for comedy and uses that comedic flair in his writing with great success, with The World of Norm being a best-selling, household favourite with children, teachers and parents up and down the country.
Jonathan says; “I’ve done a lot of strange things in my life. Playing flute with a band in Mumbai, doing a live radio interview with a goat and walking down a Scottish high street in the middle of winter wearing nothing but a voluminous pair of boxer shorts are just three of them. And they actually happened! So I’m genuinely intrigued to discover what children can make up when they put their minds to it. This competition is a perfect opportunity to let young imaginations run riot. And as far as I’m concerned, the more riotous the better.”
Children aged five to 14 can enter for free by submitting a 500 word story via www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngwriters or popping into your local Explore Learning centre. The closing date is Friday 5th June.
Carey Ann Dodah, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says: “What we’re looking for is pure imagination! The theme of ‘Strange Events & Peculiar Happenings’ really gives our young writers infinite scope for possibilities and we hope that boys and girls alike will not be afraid to have a go and give writing a try. Last year we had more than 14,000 entries and we had so much fun reading through them and choosing our favourites – it really is incredible what a creative nation of children we have!
“We’re thrilled to have Jonathan Meres as our judge for 2015; his The World of Norm books are an instant hit with children and parents alike, and we hope that the idea of him reviewing the top choices will be a big appeal to our young writers!”
Last year’s winner was 10 year old, Hansraj Ramlagan from Tunbridge Wells in Kent who was awarded his prize by Liz Pichon for his story The Milkman and The Fairies.
Explore Learning provides English and maths tuition to children aged five to 14. Over the next two months they will be running free workshops with local libraries, schools and community groups to inspire children’s love of writing. Through their tuition they create a fun and vibrant atmosphere for children to work in, helping them grow in confidence and fulfil their potential.
