Actor, comedian and writer Miles Jupp attended an award
ceremony at a school in Peterborough to inspire and reward the creating writing
efforts of local pupils.
Year 6 pupils at eight of the city’s primary schools have
been taking part in an exciting writing competition, which was launched earlier
this month by the National Literacy Trust Hub in Peterborough, Peterborough
City Council and the Jack Hunt Learning Trust. Pupils were challenged to write
an original story of less than 500 words on a subject that they are passionate
about.
Miles Jupp, who is an ambassador of the National Literacy
Trust, presented the winners with certificates and books at a special ceremony
at Jack Hunt secondary school. As well as one overall winner, he also awarded
the top entry from each of the eight participating primary schools.
The competition was launched to encourage pupils to write
for enjoyment and to help prepare them for the transition from primary to
secondary school. Many of the Year 6 pupils who took part will be attending
Jack Hunt School from September.
Miles spoke to the pupils about how he approaches the
process of writing, share his experience of moving to secondary school and
answer questions from pupils.
Sally Atkinson, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub
in Peterborough and one of the competition judges, said:
“The judges were so impressed with the range of original
ideas and writing techniques that the pupils used to bring their stories to
life. The competition gave them a chance to practise skills they will continue
to use in Year 7 and experience a taste of secondary school life with a visit
to Jack Hunt School. We are delighted that Miles Jupp could join us to present
these very deserving pupils with their prizes.”
Councillor John Holdich, leader of the council and cabinet
member for education, skills and university, said:
"This is another great initiative delivered by the
National Literacy Trust in Peterborough following on from recent successes like
the pop-up shop in Bridge Street. Writing imaginative stories is a superb way
for a child to develop ideas and creativity at a young age and puts them in
good stead for secondary school studies. I am sure the pupils will have an
enjoyable and entertaining afternoon as a reward for all their hard work."