Holmwood House Creative Writing Competition

Welcome to the Holmwood House Summer Writing Creative Competition, where your stories can transport readers to far-off lands, introduce them to unforgettable characters, and explore the wonders of your imagination.

Open to all children, including non-Holmwood pupils, this competition is designed to spark your curiosity and creativity while offering you an exciting challenge over the summer holidays. Whether you craft a magical adventure, thrilling mystery, or a heartwarming tale, this is the perfect opportunity to let your creativity shine. So, sharpen your pencils, fire up your laptops, and let your creativity run wild!

Inspiration

We encourage you to write about anything that inspires you and ignites the wonders of your imagination. To help you on the way each week, one of our teachers has suggested an opener to your story: a Spark to Start. You don’t have to use this, you can write about anything you like, the most important thing is to let your creativity flow and create a story that is truly your own.

This week’s “Spark to Start” is from Mr Poulson: “On a bright, breezy and wonderfully mysterious morning something unexpected and magical happened to Alex and his friends that would change their lives forever…”

Last week’s “Spark to Start” is from Miss Ashton: “The three of us, we were the only ones left, the only ones to make it to the island….”

In week 3 the “Spark to Start” was from Mrs Boddice: “I was walking along the beach one sunny morning and I put my hand in my pocket, I felt something strange, I pulled it out and in my hand was a very old penny…”

In week 2 Mr Cook’s “Spark to Start was: “The waves crashed, the boat creaked – it was at that point we knew…”

In week 1 Mrs Mayhew’s “Spark to Start” was: “Suddenly the sky turned pink and the air smelt sweet….”

Other resources you could use for inspiration are:

  • The BBC 500 words https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/500-words
  • Oxford Owl https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/kids-activities/creative-writing/
  • Holmwood’s Summer Book Club https://www.holmwood.house/2023/07/12/holmwood-house-summer-book-club/

    About Holmwood House

    Holmwood House School and Nursery is a leading co-educational independent school and nursery for children aged 6 months to 16 years, set in 25 acres of beautiful grounds in Lexden, Colchester. The school aims to spark curiosity and ignite wonder in each and every child, allowing them to develop individuality, confidence and tenacity to reach their true potential and achieve personal success.  We believe that our literature rich curriculum that blends excitement and challenge is integral to developing motivated, confident and engaged children who have a growing curiosity and understanding of the world around them.

    Book a Visit

    Please click here to find out more about visiting Holmwood House or to book a visit please email our Admissions Registrar at admissions@holmwood.house or phone 01206 673750

Rules and How to Enter:

Age Categories:

There are 3 age categories and each category will be judge independently

  • Ignite: For Ages 5-8 – 200 to 500 words
  • Wonder: For Ages 9-11 500 to 1000 words
  • SPARK: For Ages 12-16 1000 to 2000 words

Entries

Please complete the entry form below. Remember to give your story a title and either save it as a pdf or a document and attach to the form below when prompted, or paste it into the box provided.

Deadline

The closing date for entries is: Monday 2 September 2024

Prizes

The winner from each age category will receive a £50 Amazon voucher.

Good luck, we can’t wait to read your amazing stories! Happy writing!

Sign up now:

Click or drag a file to this area to upload.


STAY CONNECTED

Holmwood House Nursery

151 Coach Road, Great Horkesley,
Colchester,
Essex CO6 4DX
T: (01206) 273 827
E: nurserymanager@holmwood.house

GET DIRECTIONS

Holmwood House School

Chitts Hill, Lexden,
Colchester,
Essex CO3 9ST
T: (01206) 574305
E: office@holmwood.house

GET DIRECTIONS