Celebrating MGGS Writing Talent… Centenary Winner Announced!
This week, we are thrilled to announce the winner and runners-up of our Centenary Writing Competition! We received an impressive array of outstanding entries, carefully judged by Miss Calvert, Head of the English Department, and Ella Dove, MGGS alumna and author.
A huge congratulations to our winner, Chloe M (12V), and our runners-up, Marianne D (7G) and Jessica T (9F). The winners received Waterstones book tokens to inspire their continued literary journeys. Every participant will also be recognised with a Headteacher’s Award. Well done to all our talented writers – your creativity and effort made this competition truly special!
Ella commented as follows and also sent a video message to students:
“Chloe’s writing is vivid and evocative, her detailed description instantly transporting readers and painting a clear and believable picture of MGGS in 1888. She conveys brilliant characterisation and an impressive depth of emotion for both the protagonist, Minnie and her grieving father. In a short excerpt, we are given context, backstory and a real glimpse into a family’s life, making this piece feel well-rounded and deftly crafted. I love the contrast between Minnie’s ‘heaviness’, her father’s grief and the harsh weather with the warmth of the glowing school windows and the use of light as a symbol of hope and change. When Minnie enters, it’s not just her first day at a new school but also a new start and a step towards a brighter future. The idea of her seeing her mother’s kindness and compassion mirrored in the teacher’s eyes is a lovely touch too, and made me feel quite emotional! Chloe is a talented writer and I hope she continues to explore creative writing in future.”
Runners Up….
“I was very impressed by the tone of this creative piece. It reads like historical fiction, with little details such as Minnie’s ‘suffocating pinafore’, the chalkboard in the classroom and the reference to some children having a governess really helping to bring out the time period in which it is set. I loved the sense of excitement Minnie has about her school day, and the new friendship she forges with Mary, whose mother was a Suffragette, was a lovely touch. The ending is also wonderfully uplifting and positive. Well done, Marianne!”
“Jessica’s persuasive writing is well structured and carefully thought out. She introduces her argument clearly at the start of the piece, and deftly explores counter arguments before sharing thoughtful and interesting points on why she believes selective schools still have a place in the education system. Her points are varied and relevant, showing she put a lot of time and research into the essay. Her writing style hits the perfect persuasive tone – and she certainly convinced me!”
And as promised here are the winning entries:
Winner: Chloe
https://www.mggs.org/wp-content/uploads/Centenary-Writing-Competition-Winner-2024.pdf
Runner Up: Jessica & Marianne
Jessica: https://www.mggs.org/wp-content/uploads/Centenary-Writing-Competition-Runner-Up-2024.pdf
Marianne: https://www.mggs.org/wp-content/uploads/Maranne-D-Runner-Up.pdf