Next Monday, 29th June, a new writing competition is being launched!

 

Children aged 5-13 from all ethnicities and backgrounds are invited to submit pieces of creative writing expressing personal experience, empathy, learning and respect, building on the international conversation around Black Lives Matter.

Children are encouraged to respond in whatever way they wish, in no more than 500 words, in the form of a story.

The narratives we write and share matter. We ask children to draw on their own experiences and feelings to create a story that can be as imaginative and visionary as they want. Storytelling is a must!

 

The judging panel will consist of Angellica and Michael who will be joined by former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman OBE, actor, comedian and author Charlie Higson, children’s author Francesca Simon, and screenwriter and novelist Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

 

Angellica Bell and Michael Underwood said:

'We are so excited to be a part of this new era of the 500 Words challenge, asking young people for the first time to write about a specific theme, and in this case, Black Lives Matter. 

For both of us, writing has always been a powerful tool to help us work through difficult subjects that are often tricky to articulate. 

This fantastic competition will give children from all backgrounds across the UK, the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about the recent tragic events, the global response to it and how it has impacted us all.  Empowering the next generation to share their personal views through their love of writing is brilliant!’

 

With permission from your parent, writing entries need to be submitted by Friday 3 July.

Semi-finals will take place live on air between 13 and 16 July and the winners will get to join Chris Evans on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show on 17 July, when the rest of their prize will be revealed. 

 

For more information about the competition and how to submit stories, click here: 

500 Words: Black Lives Matter

 

   

Take a look at this wonderful poem by one of our Year 5 poets and feel inspired to write yourself!