To celebrate the launch of the 2020 BBC Young Writers’ Award, we caught up with last year’s winner, Georgie Woodhead, to get some insider info on what it takes to win the competition.
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BBC Radio 1 Life Hacks with Chloe Holland
In December 2019, First Story alumna Chloe Holland was invited to BBC Broadcasting House in London for an interview with Katie Thistleton on Radio 1’s Life Hacks show – and she smashed it! Listen to her podcast here.
Supporter reception at Hachette UK
On 18th November 2019, publishers Hachette UK generously hosted a reception for First Story supporters at their London HQ, Carmelite House.
On being a Writer-in-Residence
Last month, publishers Hachette UK generously hosted a reception for First Story supporters, at which Writer-in-Residence Rachel Seiffert told us what it’s like to have “the best job in the world”.
Six Word Story 2019 shortlist and winner announced
Our annual Six Word Story competition is open to all First Story participating schools. Entry closed in late November. From a shortlist of 12 excellent stories, guest judge Juno Dawson picked this year’s winner.
Our impact in 2018-19
Highlights from our recently published report on our activities and impact during the 2018-19 academic year.
First Story moves into CLPE to create new literacy hub
First Story has a new home! Along with fellow literacy charity, Driver Youth Trust, we’ve moved into CLPE’s lovely old school building in Southwark, to form an exciting ‘literacy hub’.
Exclusive interview with Juno Dawson
Ahead of her appearance at our Young Writers’ Festival, Juno Dawson tells us what helps her write so well for young adults, and why it’s important to nurture under-represented writers and amplify their voices.
Announcing our 2019-20 Rathbones Folio Mentees
In its third year, the Rathbones Folio Mentorships programme is an invaluable opportunity for four talented First Story graduates to be paired with four accomplished writers from the Folio Academy.
Durham Commission report: a catalyst for change?
The Durham Commission on Creativity and Education report is a 96 page deep dive into why and how creativity should be placed at the heart of the British education system. Jess Fear shares her thoughts.
PGCert in Teaching Creative Writing is a life-changing opportunity
Investing in teachers’ professional development is central to our mission. Our Cambridge ICE bursaries change teachers lives.
First Story alumni in Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award 2019
It’s the biggest poetry competition in the world for 11-17 year olds and former First Story students are among the 2019 commended poets.
First Story at BBC Contains Strong Language festival
The UK’s biggest poetry and performance festival attracts world-class writers and performers to Hull, to appear alongside home grown talent – including First Story students and Writers-in-Residence.
Multi-year grant from PHF to fund programme pilot
How we are using a multi-year grant from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to develop our offer to schools.
Reflecting on my first summer with First Story
‘In an increasingly polarised world, our capacity to connect diverse young people is a huge benefit’ says new CEO.
