Explore Learning Writers’ Awards Now Open for Entries!

20/03/2019

The Explore Learning Writers’ Awards are now open for the eleventh year and will be judged by best-selling author, singer, dancer and TV presenter, Alesha Dixon!

Whether they’re a reluctant writer or a budding Roald Dahl, this competition will inspire children from across the UK to get creative and write their very own short story.

Children are tasked with creating a 500-word story all about how they could transform the world, whether that’s by making waves to save the planet, becoming a superhero, exploring time travel or anything their imaginations can conjure!

Alesha Dixon has been an inspiration to children during her career with singing and dancing. Also her success as a judge and presenter on programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing and Britain’s Got Talent.

Alongside these achievements, Alesha has written three very popular children’s books – Lightning Girl (launched in April 2018), Lightning Girl 2: Superhero Squad (September 2018) and Lightning Girl 3: Secret Supervillain (March 2019)

Her main character, 11 year old Aurora Beam, discovers her superhero powers! Through Aurora, Alesha aims to spread a positive message of empowerment and self-reliance to young girls and boys.

What do you win?

  • Trip to Disneyland Paris.
  • £500 of books for their school
  • A trophy

The winner of the competition will be announced during a surprise assembly in which Alesha and the team from Explore Learning.

Every child that enters will receive a certificate to celebrate their story, along with personalised feedback from one of Explore Learning’s inspirational tutors.

Alesha Dixon says:

“I am really looking forward to reading all of the imaginative ways the children of this country would change the world in this year’s competition. Having written stories myself, I know how rewarding it is and really hope they will take as much pleasure from it as I have. This is a great way to capture young imaginations and encourage thinking about bigger issues, while developing their writing talents.’’

To aid kids, Explore Learning will be running  free creative writing workshops in their centres, libraries and schools for encouragement.

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at Explore Learning says:

“We are thrilled to have Alesha Dixon as our judge for 2019 as her Lightning Girl series is so popular with our members and we know that she will inspire lots of children across the UK to get writing.”

Last year’s winner was eight year old Mia Falatoori from Churchfields Junior School.

Over 35,000 children aged four to 14 attend their centres each week. Over the course of the last 18 year the centre have helped over 200,000 children all together.

Explore Learning’s aim is to help every child reach their full potential and create generation of fearless learners.

How to enter?

Children can enter by visiting their local Explore Learning centre for an entry form or entering online at

www.explorelearning.co.uk/writersawards.

Simply hand the story back in, file online or send to Explore Learning’s head office at:

ELWA, Explore Learning, 74 North Street, Guildford, GU1 4AW.

Don’t forget to include your contact information so they can get in touch if your child wins! The competition runs until Sunday 5th May.

Explore Learning are an award-winning English and maths tuition company with 144 centres located all over the country.

For more information about the National Young Writers’ Awards visit www.explorelearning.co.uk/writersawards.