William Bean wins short story competition

William Bean

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William Bean has won the short story competition in the Young Person’s Writing Awards.

William was one of a number of Wardle Academy students who have worked with the writer Helen Walsh over the last 12 months in the Young Person’s Literature Champion project. They have been mentored by Helen Walsh in devising and editing a short story to be published in an anthology.

Helen said of William: “His work was ‘a highly original’ and intelligent piece of writing. I love the blackly-comic tone; the lightness and fluidity of his prose; and the big themes and contemporary issues that underscore this piece.

"William had little, if any, editorial assistance from me - the piece you read is the piece he wrote, word for word.

"I think William has huge potential and talent: I wouldn't be surprised if he turns his hand to scriptwriting further down the line; I picture him writing a series like The Fast Show, or The Office.

"He is a lovely boy and I have thoroughly enjoyed mentoring him."

The students were invited to the Young Person’s Writing Awards evening with Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy. They were accompanied by friends, family and Mrs Howarth and Mrs Slater from the English Department.

It turned out to be a very special evening.

Five Year 10 students read extracts from their work: William Bean, Chloe Kuczer, Jessica Moore, Martha Southall and James Lowe.

The standard of writing was said to be extremely high and Carol Ann Duffy commented on the "moving experience" of listening to such quality work from such young writers. The stories were poignant and thought-provoking pieces.

Martha Southall also composed a song to accompany her writing, which she performed "beautifully" on the evening.

Students were presented with a certificate and a copy of their short story in an anthology specially commissioned as a highlight of the project; In Our Times by Carol Ann Duffy. They were also presented with a signed copy of Carol Ann Duffy’s The Bees.

Carol Ann Duffy also performed her poetry accompanied by musician John Sampson. There was then an informal drinks reception in the Library space attended by the Poet Laureate.

Jane Howarth said: “I thought the writing awards were fantastic and was very proud of the students and their work. They thoroughly enjoyed working with Helen and I think she was a real inspiration to them.”