ScottishPower Foundation launches S1 and S2 creative writing competition in association with the Edinburgh International Book Festival
The ScottishPower Foundation is searching for the school with the most creative minds in Scotland in a competition to celebrate its sponsorship of the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
The annual Story Generator competition is a national writing competition which invites S1 and S2 pupils across Scotland to create their own story. Already a popular fixture since its inception in 2011, this year’s Story Generator is set to be even more exciting as the competition goes online for the very first time, using an exciting new creative writing tool called Storybird.
Budding young writers are being asked to write about what life might be like in the future, using the first line of the George Orwell classic, 1984, ‘It was a bright, cold day in April…’ as their inspiration.
Trustee and Executive Officer of the ScottishPower Foundation, Ann Loughrey, said: “It has been amazing to see how young people develop stories together and the terrific tales they’ve created since we launched Story Generator two years ago.
“This year we will take the competition to the next level as our new online platform enhances the creative experience for young writers and introduces the element of illustration to the process. We can’t wait to sit round as a judging panel and read everyone’s stories.”
Storybird is an innovative online writing tool that has been created especially for young people where they can make, read and share visual online stories while practicing their digital skills. What’s more, for the first time ever, Scottish school pupils can now team up with their classmates to create their own online book.
The competition is searching for the school with the most creative thinking and well-presented online book. The winning book will be judged by a panel drawn from a range of experts including publishers, authors and staff from the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the winners will see their book shared online to millions of Storybird users.
Janet Smyth, Children’s Programme and Education Director, Edinburgh International Book Festival, said: “Story Generator has been a great way to engage secondary schools with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and to challenge their writing skills in a national competition.
“This year’s Festival shined the spotlight on graphic novels, so we’re delighted that Story Generator is introducing illustrations into the competition this year. We wish every competing school the very best of luck with their creations.”
Teachers can register their S1 and S2 pupils for the ScottishPower Foundation Story Generator competition from Wednesday 11th September 2013 and the deadline for entries is Friday 8th November 2013.
Log onto http://storybird.com/scottishpower/ for more information.
For further information please contact Rachael Stone or Emma Paul at Stripe Communications on 0131 561 8628 / scottishpower@stripecommunications.com
Editor’s Notes
Story Generator
Story Generator allows pupils in S1 and S2 to compete with their peers from across Scotland in a friendly and fun competition helping to build confidence and social participation.
This year’s Story Generator is a fun and inspiring way to practice creative writing and group activity on a safe and private online platform crossing a variety of subjects including English, ICT and Art. The large bank of illustrations, provided by Storybird, encourages creativity and allows pupils to create an illustrated online book that they can share with classmates and family. Pupils will also be able to upload their own images to complement their story.
Storybird
Storybird lets anyone make visual stories in seconds. It curates artwork from illustrators and animators around the world to inspire students and writers of any age to turn those images into fresh stories. Over 125,000 schools choose Storybird to inspire their students to read and write better and more often.