First Story alumni can apply until the 31 July 2020 to take part in the 20/21 Rathbones Folio Mentorships programme, for a chance to work for a year with an acclaimed pro author. Two of this year’s mentees, Mariamah Davey and Nidaa Raoof, share their reasons to get involved.
News
First Story partnership with Unislam
Throughout 2019-20, we’ve been working in partnership with Unislam, the National Slam Poetry Festival, to place Unislam artists as ‘shadow writers’ in First Story schools. Jess Tickell caught up with one of these shadow writers, Sophie Horton.
Writing From Home
National Writing Day 2020 takes place on 24 June. With most young people at home due to the pandemic, this year’s programme is being delivered digitally. Our NWD 2020 resource bank includes nine, feature-length creative writing video tutorials led by talented First Story Writers-in-Residence. We’ve been encouraging users on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to give the tutorials a try and post new writing online. Here we highlight a small selection of the pieces shared during May via the hashtag #WriteFromHome.
National Writing Day Ambassadors Announced
The impressive line-up of literary talent helping us celebrate National Writing Day 2020 includes: current and former Children’s Laureates, Cressida Cowell and Malorie Blackman; Scotland’s National Poet, Jackie Kay; Carnegie medal-winning screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce; best-selling author Mark Haddon; writer and illustrator Laura Dockrill; poet Caroline Bird; playwright Vinay Patel; and children’s author SF Said.
School closures have highlighted the gulfs in inequality between young people
The COVID-19 pandemic has widened the gap for attainment, but has also robbed a generation of valuable social and emotional learning.
School closures have highlighted the gulfs in inequality between young peopleRead More
Announcing the 100-Word Story Competition 2019/20 winners
We’re really excited to announce the winners of the 2019 100-Word Story Competition judged by the lovely folks at Vintage books.
Announcing the 100-Word Story Competition 2019/20 winnersRead More
Covid-19 Update
With current government advice in mind, First Story’s Chief Executive, Antonia Byatt, responds to the uncertainty surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19.
Hull College students’ response to 21st century pressures: We Are Strong
On Tuesday 18th February, First Story were proud to present the launch of We Are Strong – an anthology of work written by a group of inspiring young women who powerfully opened up about the world around them.
Hull College students’ response to 21st century pressures: We Are StrongRead More
Regional Writing Stars – Autumn term
We ran a new competition this year – Regional Writing Stars – created to highlight and celebrate regional voices and stories.
A good education for all: First Story and the Ofsted inspection framework
Ofsted recently published its Annual Report for 2018/19, the year it introduced its new education inspection framework and sparked fresh debate about what works best to tackle disadvantage. Our Chief Executive shares her thoughts.
A good education for all: First Story and the Ofsted inspection frameworkRead More
Watch: Six Word Story 2019 finalists showcase
The 12 shortlisted stories in this year’s Six Word Story competition, performed by Juno Dawson, Nikesh Shukla, Caroline Bird, Priya O’Shea, Salena Godden, Joe Dunthorne, Bridget Minamore, Tom Holland, Tracy Chevalier, Damian Barr, Katie Thistleton, and Max Porter.
How our writers and teachers support each other
We’re committed to providing regular forums for our writers and teachers to share knowledge, skills and practical experience. Programme Manager for the North, Andy Hill, asked recent participants what they get most from the sessions.