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Creative Writing Competition shortlist and prize winners announced!

We were delighted to receive such a large number of fantastically creative entries for this year’s competition. Students from nine schools, as well as a number of home-educated young writers, submitted their writing on the theme “journey” inspired by Mary Seacole. 

Entries were shortlisted by Maya Coombs and winners were picked from the shortlist in each of the three Key Stage categories by the judging panel: Yasmin Aishah (ATEAB), Foteini Athanasiadou (Learning officer at Hastings Museum & Art Gallery), Hannah Collisson (ATEAB), Maya Coombs (ATEAB), Jermaine Stirling (Mary Seacole Trust) with festival ambassador Meli’s preferences taken into account.

Explore the 21 shortlisted entries below, read by Yasmin Aishah and Maya Coombs, grouped by Key Stage, with 12 of these writers to receive prizes.

The A Town Explores A Book 2023 Creative Writing Competition was held in partnership with Hastings Museum & Art Gallery, National Literacy Trust-Hub in Hastings, Hastings Thrives, and Mary Seacole Trust.

Congratulations to all those shortlisted!

KEY STAGE 1
(AGE 5-7)

KEY STAGE 1 OVERALL WINNER:
Dear Diary by Islo at St Pauls CE Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 1 PRIZE WINNER:
One Day in the Deep Woods by Freddie at St Leonards CE Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 1 PRIZE WINNER:
The Journey by Lulu at Christchurch CE Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 1 SHORTLISTED:
One Day by Tauleen at St Pauls CE Primary Academy

KEY STAGE 2
(AGE 7-11)

KEY STAGE 2 OVERALL WINNER:
The Journey of a Feather by Callum at St Pauls CE Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE WINNER:
Hello My Name is Elinor by Vivi at Ashmole Primary School
KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE WINNER:
To the Ferry by Amelie at The Baird Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE WINNER:
A Fantastic Book by Younis at Herbert Morrison
KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE WINNER:
Unexpected Trip by Billie Reece-Johnston – Home Educated
KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE WINNER:
My Journey by Naomi at Robsack Wood Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 PRIZE WINNER:
A Journey through Space by Mickolaj at West St Leonards Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
Bosnia by Thea at Ashmole Primary
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
Cruise to England by Julia at The Baird Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
The Journey of Blossom by Cherisse at Herbert Morrison Primary School
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
Leaving/Arriving by Caleb at Herbert Morrison Primary School
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
My Journey by Luca at Robsack Wood Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
The Journey of the Sea Shell by Lexi at St Pauls CE Primary Academy
KEY STAGE 2 SHORTLISTED:
A Trip Throughout the Space by Isabella at West St Leonards Primary Academy

KEY STAGE 3
(AGE 11-14)

KEY STAGE 3 OVERALL WINNER:
Banana Chandelier a song by Twinkle, Home Educated
KEY STAGE 3 PRIZE WINNER:
Journey by Julie at St Richard’s Catholic College
KEY STAGE 3 SHORTLISTED:
Journey by Isabella at St Richard’s Catholic College

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