Creative Writing Opportunities
This term we have been delighted to see students compose fabulous creative and analytical work; from evocative discursive and imaginative writing in Year 11 to haunting creative fiction in Year 7. Our teachers loved reading some the compelling biographical writing of Year 8 and were impressed by the ability of Years 9 and 10 students to write effective personal responses.
We are always keen to encourage our students to submit their work into external competitions, and I know that many teachers have been sharing information with their classes about some of the upcoming opportunities. As we move towards the holidays, we wanted to share some of the links below as we know there are many keen writers who may want to work on pieces over their break. Many of these websites also have incredible resources for passionate poems and writers. The English Department wishes everyone all the best for the Easter break – what a wonderful time to read a book and get back to writing for pleasure!
The What Matters Writing Competition is open to students in Years 5 – 12. This competition asks students to write personally on a topic which they are passionate about. Entries are due by Friday 17 May. More information can be found here.
The Dorothea Mackellar Writing Competition is one of Australia’s most prestigious poetry awards for young people – this year it is celebrating its 40th Anniversary! This year’s theme is “Listen, I have an idea.” The school has registered an account for this competition and your daughter will be able to check with her teacher about entering before the due date of Friday 30 June. Many Year 7 – 10 courses will explore poetry in Term 2, so this might complement your daughter’s studies nicely. More information can be found here.
Red Room’s Poetry Forest Competition encourages students to compose poems which have a positive message on climate change. This competition is open until Friday September 27. More information can be found here.
The Insight Writing Competition is open to students in Years 7 – 12. Students are invited to compose creative pieces of up to 1,400 words. The theme for this year is “Beauty in the Unknown” This competition is open until 1 September. More information can be found here.
The Hachette Australia prizes are yet to open for 2024, however include prizes for Creative Fiction, Creative Non-Fiction and Poetry. There are wonderful resources that can be found here.
Jenny Bean
Head of English
