About the Award: The competition is open to teachers and students aged 7 to 14 from Commonwealth countries and is a wonderful opportunity for you to add your voice to the Commonwealth’s rich storytelling heritage through writing and illustration (and, of course, be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes!)
What does the word ‘Belonging’ mean to you?
All sorts of images might pop into your head – maybe of your family, friends, country, or perhaps even of your favourite sports team! It might not be an image at all, but a particular emotion, memory or sensation.
Capture what ‘Belonging’ means to you by putting pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard and submitting your story to our Commonwealth Class story writing competition.
Application Deadline: Monday 14th November 2016.
Eligible Countries: Commonwealth countries
To be taken at (country): Candidate’s Home Country
Information for Students:
Students will be split into two different age categories: 7 to 10 year olds and 11 to 14 year olds.
- Students should write a story set in their own country and based around the theme of ‘Belonging’
- The story must be written in English
- The story should be illustrated. Take a look at the beautiful covers of the Commonwealth Education Trust’s River of Stories anthology (See Link below) as inspiration. Participants are free to choose the medium of their illustrations (for example, they can be hand-drawn, using a computer/tablet etc.)
- The word limit of the story for the 7-10 year olds category is 300 words
- The word limit of the story for the 11-14 year olds category is 500 words.
Information for Teachers:
- Teachers should submit a fictional story for children on the theme of ‘Belonging’
- The word limit for the story is 1500 words
- The story must be written in English and set in the teacher’s home country.
Eligibility: The competition is open to teachers and students attending/working at a school recognised by the government of a Commonwealth country.
Selection Process: Entries will be shortlisted and judged by a panel of judges selected by British Council in the UK.
Value of Contest: The following prizes will be given to students awarded first, second and third place in the competition:
- First prize: a River of Stories anthology published by the Commonwealth Education Trust for the school AND a £100 book token or equivalent for the student
- Second prize: £50 book token or equivalent for the student
- Third prize: £30 book token or equivalent for the student.
For the Teacher: The winner will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of taking part in a writing master class delivered by Anne Fine herself and a River of Stories anthology published by the Commonwealth Education Trust for the School.
How to Apply: Entering the Commonwealth Class story writing competition couldn’t be simpler:
- Scan, take a photo or save a PDF version of your story;
- Complete the competition entry form and upload your story by followingthis link;
- Read and tick the box to indicate you have read the competition terms of reference (see ‘Documents’ section at the bottom of this page) and submit everything by clicking the ‘Submit Form’ button.
If you prefer, you can post a hard copy of your story and entry form to the following address:
Elaine Nesbitt
British Council
The Boat, 7th floor
49 Queen’s Square
Belfast
BT1 3FG
Northern Ireland
All the information you need to write your story is outlined below, but don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at schools@britishcouncil.org if you have any queries.
Good luck!
Visit Contest Webpage for details
Award Provider: The Commonwealth
