Connie (Year 11) wins Key Stage 3/4 category of Girls Schools’ Association inaugural competition
Many congratulations to Connie Harris (U5) who won the Key Stage 3/4 Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) Creative Writing Competition at the end of May.
The GSA launched the inaugural creative writing competition for young people in March 2021, inspired by the uplifting performance of young poet Amanda Gorman, who read at Joe Biden’s inauguration as President of the USA.
The theme for the competition was: What have we learnt from the pandemic that will influence our lives tomorrow?
Writers of prose and poetry alike were welcome to take part, from Year 3 through to Sixth Form, and entries were judged by GSA Officers and Fellows using the following criteria:
– Originality
– Adherence to the theme
– Language
– Enjoyment
Connie’s piece of creative writing was inspired by conversations with her Grandparents throughout the pandemic. ‘The Zoomer’ is written from an elderly person’s perspective about modern technology. Connie wanted to make a light-hearted, comic piece, so her character finally learns to hang up on zoom – a big achievement for them.
The winners in each category have been invited to make a video recording of themselves reading their winning entry, which will be broadcast to GSA Headteachers during the GSA Virtual Summer Briefing on Monday 14th June, when the winning entries will be formally announced.
On and after this date, the winners’ videos will also be published on the GSA website at www.gsa.uk.com and shared on social media (@GSAUK/ @NorwichHigh)
“Connie has perfectly encapsulated the way that so many have felt whilst learning about new technology in the pandemic,” said Head Alison Sefton. “I am thrilled to hear that she has been successful in this competition.”
Connie now looks forward to joining leading arts organisation the National Youth Theatre this summer. Connie will take part in a two-week workshop at the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton to gain membership and is currently fundraising the course and accommodation fees.
The National Youth Theatre gives young people the opportunity to learn as much about themselves and how to relate to others, as they do about acting and technical theatre. Whilst some members go on to become well known faces of stage and screen, many others go on to be great lawyers, journalists, doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs, CEOs and much more.
Head of English Ms Rogers commented: “The English Department is delighted to hear of Connie’s latest success and wish her all the best of luck with her National Youth Theatre summer school.”
Well done, Connie!
