Actor, comedian and writer Miles Jupp will be in Peterborough on Friday 27 January to inspire and reward the creating writing efforts of Peterborough pupils.
Year 6 pupils at eight of the city’s primary schools have been taking part in an exciting writing competition, which was launched earlier this month by the National Literacy Trust Hub in Peterborough, Peterborough City Council and the Jack Hunt Learning Trust. Pupils were challenged to write an original story of less than 500 words on a subject that they are passionate about.
Miles Jupp, who is an ambassador of the National Literacy Trust, will present the winners with certificates and books at a special ceremony at Jack Hunt secondary school. As well as one overall winner, he’ll also award the top entry from each of the eight participating primary schools.
The competition was launched to encourage pupils to write for enjoyment and to help prepare them for the transition from primary to secondary school. Many of the Year 6 pupils who took part will be attending Jack Hunt School from September.
Miles will also talk about how he approaches the process of writing, share his experience of moving to secondary school and answer questions from pupils. He said:
“I’m really looking forward to joining the celebration event and meeting these talented Peterborough pupils. Writing is a brilliant way for young people to express their ideas and emotions - I hope I can help to inspire them to continue writing and to enjoy it.”
Sally Atkinson, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Peterborough and one of the competition judges said:
“The judges were so impressed with the range of original ideas and writing techniques that the pupils used to bring their stories to life. The competition gave them a chance to practise skills they will continue to use in Year 7 and experience a taste of secondary school life with a visit to Jack Hunt School. We are delighted that Miles Jupp could join us to present these very deserving pupils with their prizes.”
Councillor John Holdich, leader of the council and cabinet member for education, skills and university, said: "This is another great initiative delivered by the National Literacy Trust in Peterborough following on from recent successes like the pop-up shop in Bridge Street.
"Writing imaginative stories is a superb way for a child to develop ideas and creativity at a young age and puts them in good stead for secondary school studies. I am sure the pupils will have an enjoyable and entertaining afternoon as a reward for all their hard work."
The eight Jack Hunt cluster primary schools that took part in the competition are: Ravensthorpe, Highlees, Eyrescroft, Longthorpe, Sacred Heart, West Town, Middleton and Watergall.