The National Literacy Trust and the stage musical Wicked have partnered with award-winning author Sharna Jackson to launch a new UK-wide writing competition for pupils aged 9 to 14. The “Wicked Writers: Be the Change” competition invites young writers to use their writing skills to change something they believe in for the better in society.
“Wicked Writers is a brilliant program to engage children and young people with one of the most important skills they’ll need to thrive in life,” says Tim Judge, Head of Schools Programs at the National Literacy Trust. “But the competition also shows pupils that writing can help you engage with society. Whether it’s advocating for a cause on social media or writing a letter to your MP, Be the Change can start young writers on their journey of using writing to make a difference.”
A star-studded panel, including members of the Wicked cast and Sharna Jackson, will judge the competition and choose winners from two age categories. The winners will receive tickets for their entire class to see “Wicked” at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, a writing workshop with Sharna Jackson, and books for their school library.
“We’re honoured to partner with the National Literacy Trust and jointly announce the new schools’ creative writing competition,” says Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked. “We originally established our annual ‘Wicked Young Writer Awards’ competition in 2010 to champion literacy and the work of the National Literacy Trust. We’re grateful for the invaluable support we received, particularly from Sir Michael Morpurgo, Cressida Cowell MBE, and our patron, Her Majesty The Queen Consort. We’re now continuing its legacy through this fantastic new school’s creative writing competition.”
