On World Book Day (6 March), pupils across Anglian Learning’s secondary schools and sixth forms were set an exciting challenge to create a unique piece of work inspired by their favourite book. Submissions could take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Write an origin story
• Perform or craft a monologue
• Compose a poem
• Or surprise us with your bold idea

Entries from each school and year group were shortlisted as winners and runners-up for a grand finale, where they were judged by James Woodcock, Director of Education: Professional Learning and Curriculum. Choosing an overall winner was no easy task with many creative submissions to choose from across our secondary schools. Our congratulations go to…

Overall Winner

Tony N, Year 9 pupil of Linton Village College

(L-R) Celia Harriss, Head of English at Linton Village College, Tony N, Year 9 pupil of Linton Village College and James Woodcock, Director of Education: Professional Learning and Curriculum at Anglian Learning

His submission, called ‘The Truth’, was a written piece based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes novels, with Dr Watson as the narrator. His work was selected as it was “Meticulously written; stylish and fluent” and “Vivid storytelling that is perfectly evocative of the rich, complex, international and intellectual world of Holmes and Watson”.

Due to the high standard of entries, a winner and runner-up were chosen from KS3 year groups and KS4 pupils:

• Year 7 runner-up: Sophie K, Bottisham Village College, with ‘Monologue of Time’
• Year 7 winner: Najid C, Bassingbourn Village College, with ‘Okinawa before the war’
• Year 8 runner-up: Neel M, Linton Village College, with ‘A Gift from the Gods’
• Year 8 winner: Blessina A, Bottisham Village College, with ‘Poem about Race’
• Year 9 runner-up: Ashita K, The Netherhall School, with ‘My Favourite Place to Read’
• Year 9 winner: Tony N, Linton Village College with ‘The Truth’
• KS4 runner-up: Lekiesha M, The Netherhall School, with ‘At First Love’
• KS4 winner: Alix P, The Netherhall School, with ‘My Poppy Seed’

James Woodcock, said “Pupils wrote meticulously crafted tributes to authors, deeply personal poetry and creative re-imaginings of popular stories.

“Some entries imaginatively crossed boundaries, with writing supplemented by artwork, and we even had a beautiful, charming graphic novel. Whether you have won a prize or not, you have created something of genuine meaning and quality. It was a pleasure to read your work; well done!”

Well done to all pupils who submitted an entry. See the full list of participants and their entry titles by clicking on the school’s name, below.

Jonathan Culpin, CEO of Anglian Learning, said “At Anglian Learning, we are committed to creating opportunities that inspire our pupils to reach their full potential. Everyone who took part in the competition should be immensely proud of their work. The creativity and artistic talent on display in every entry are truly worthy of celebration”.

Celia Harriss, Head of English at Linton Village College, said “Tony was delighted to be crowned the overall winner of the competition. It was wonderful to see that he embraced the opportunity to share his love of reading through his meticulously crafted creative writing.

“I am very proud that so many of our pupils put care and time into paintings, poetry, animations and written pieces, all of which showcased literature that had inspired them.”