Year 7 and Year 8 Creative Writing

This Term, Year 7 and Year 8 students have been diving into creative writing units, showcasing their storytelling talents. It has been wonderful to see students shine, impressing teachers with their unique and engaging compositions. From imaginative tales to heartfelt narratives, their ability to craft captivating stories has been remarkable. These units have not only fostered creativity but also developed critical thinking and writing skills. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the creativity they’ve displayed, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth as young writers.

Please enjoy a short extract from Sam Holt’s short story, The Phoenixes, along with William Watson’s short story, The Emperor’s Will.

The Phoenixes – Sam Holt

“A bird born in a cage thinks flying is an illness” – Alejandro Jodorowsky

“Whose side are you on?” His father’s demanding voice reverberated through his head, repeating over and over in his brain.Elden ripped open the mahogany door, desperately trying to silence that all-powerful whisper. You must hate the Phoenixes as I have. His mind was a maze, confused and lost and trapped by the walls that closed in around him. You must hunt the Phoenixes as I have. His heart was torn, ripped in two by the laws of his father and the cries of his will. You must kill the Phoenixes as I have. His soul was in agony, burning, burning to be free from this prison, this jail, this cage.

The Emperor’s Will – William Watson

He was a rather small, exasperated gentleman with a face that spoke many stories, hair bleak like the setting sun on water, and eyes that could melt a soul. He was called Akiko Hayashi (as legend goes) and after serving at high ranks with the emperor, he had returned to his hometown of Hayasha to look after his ailing wife.

His property was one of three grand estates, all built to house imperial royalty. The house had four bedrooms (these were excessive as he now lived alone), a kitchen, living space and a water closet. In the back was a garden, although it was never for show. There was a lake lined with small pebbles next to a small wooden stool, made by his late father. Every night, Akiko would limp to the seat, with candle in hand, and look in the lake’s luminescent reflection. After serving the emperor, Akiko felt purposeless, and day by day watched himself fade.

Ms Z Doutreband
Master Assisting English (Academic Enrichment)