A pupil at Halton School is celebrating becoming a published author after winning a national writing competition.
While looking for new ways to engage students and develop learners’ skills, a member of staff at Halton School, in Liverpool, spotted the Young Writers Annual Showcase writing competition. They thought this would be a great way to engage and inspire pupils, including Joe.
Joe had previously been disinterested in writing and often struggled with reading and literacy generally and the team felt the competition might be a good way to generate an interest in the subject.
To encourage Joe to take part, a member of staff from the school went with him on a walk around the local area for inspiration. On this walk, Joe spotted an abandoned hut that helped him to begin formulating ideas and the foundations for his story.
Joe became so immersed in his writing that he asked if he could write his story while at the castle grounds near the hut, as it relaxed him and helped him write. Joe finished his story, and they returned to school and sent off his entry.
Joe was ecstatic to find out that his story was selected to be published and has since received a certificate, bookmark, and Headteacher’s Award from the Headteacher at Halton, Hayley Cunningham. The team at the residential children’s home where Joe lives were incredibly proud of his achievement and also presented him with a voucher.
Hayley said: “Joe was rightly so pleased with his achievement that he skipped around the school showing everyone his certificate and award. Since becoming a published author, he has become more engaged and interested in writing. We’d all like to say a huge well done Joe, and to the team who supported him so well to help him achieve his success.”
