Creative Writing competitions bring out students' innovation

Students at Birkenhead Sixth Form College have been flexing their creative writing muscles for a competition run by the English department.

Entrants were asked to compose a piece of no more than 800 words given nothing more than a title to work from, and the best three received Amazon vouchers and certificates to acknowledge their outstanding innovation and mastery of the English language.

With the title of ‘A New Beginning’ to work from, first year Mina Isham’s piece was chosen for first place and a £25 Amazon voucher, with Jessica Seymour and Kathryn Redgrift receiving £10 vouchers as runners up.

The English department are now running another competition in time for the festive period with all students invited to enter, using the title of ‘The Gift’ to inspire their creativity.

English teacher, Chris Moss, said: “The Department of English has an established history of success with creative writing. The departmental competitions have been a valuable springboard for external competitions, with former students having their work published and spending time with Carol Ann Duffy, Roger McGough and other contemporary poets at literary festivals.

“The last competition asked students to interpret the slightly clichéd title ‘A New Beginning’, but winner, Mina, and runners up, Jessica and Kathryn, each responded with imagination and originality.  They were limited to just eight hundred words but their work demonstrates just what can be done within creative constraints.  It was a real pleasure for the department to read their work and indeed all of the entries.  It was additionally pleasing to receive work from students from a range of A Levels, not just those studying English.”

Chris explained: “There will be a number of Creative Writing Competitions this year including the current Christmas-themed idea, and the best work will be collected for the English Department Anthology, as a fitting testament to the creative life of the College.”

Entries for the current Creative Writing Competition can be emailed to Chris at chm@bsfc.ac.uk or handed in to him in room B4. The title is ‘The Gift’ and pieces must be of 800 words or fewer.