What’s Your Story?
Following on from the Writers in Schools grant the Primary English Teaching Association received a further grant from the Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) to trail a writing competition for senior primary students. It is hoped that this trial will lead to a national creative writing program.
How does the competition work?
The competition was open to all students in 5 and 6 in schools in Victoria and NSW. However, as it was only a trial promotion of the competition was limited to the schools that participated in the Writes in Schools program, another program managed by the Primary English Teachers Association and jointly funded by CAL.
Students were asked to write a 500 word story on any topic they choose and enter online. A website www.whatsyourstory.edu.au was set-up with program details, writing tips, author biographies, judging criteria, information and ideas for teachers and online entry forms. Entries closed on 16 June 2008.
The stories are judged on originality, story construction, language skills and characterisation. Twelve finalists, six from each grade will be selected. Finalists will receive written feedback on their stories and the chance to improve their work before the final judging to select a year 5 winner and a year 6 winner.
Who judges the competition?
The first round judges will be the new authors who participated in the Writers in Schools project. They will also provide feedback to the finalists as will experienced authors Deborah Abela and James Roy
The final winners will be selected by James and Deborah. There will also be a people choice winner in each year. The finalists stories will be published on the website and anyone will be able to go to the What’s your Story website from 1-8 August and vote for their favourite story.
What are the prizes?
- All participants will receive a certificate acknowledging their effort.
- 12 finalists will receive a certificate and a fabulous book pack.
- 2 winners can choose either an iPod Nano or a digital camera.
When are the winners announced?