Young Writers' Day

UWS Young Writers’ Day 2011

On 14 October more than 140 year 10 and 11 students from 18 Greater Western Sydney high schools took part in the UWS Young Writers’ Day, hosted by Macarthur Anglican College at Cobbitty. The day began with a keynote presentation by Professor Nicholas Jose, Chair in Writing, UWS Writing and Society Research Group, followed by a choice of ten different workshops. Each student participated in two workshops, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. These were run by academics and authors including Professor Jose, Dr Sabrina Achilles, Meera Atkinson, Sarah Gilbert, Bernard Cohen, Tom Lee, Emily Maguire, Angela Meyer, Claire Scobie and Catherine Therese. Associate Professor Susanne Gannon ran a parallel workshop for teachers on teaching creative writing

The event aimed to raise the profile of writing, recognise the talent of local students, and give students the opportunity to meet and learn from established authors in the company of like-minded peers.

Participants said

They learnt:

• Multiple perspectives
• To be open-minded when writing
• That it is important to continue writing in your spare time to improve
• How to think outside the basic structure of writing
• Using my imagination to describe matter eg water, light etc
• How to structure an argumentative piece
• The different forms of publishing available
• To write from the heart
• When you can’t think of anything to write, write anything

 They enjoyed: 

• Talking to the presenters
• Creative group work
• Writing stories and poetry
• The relaxed atmosphere
• Learning new things
• Interesting presenters
• Engaging with other students

For more information see the media release: UWS cultivates Western Sydney's talented young writers 

Young Writers’ Day Competition

Each participant had the opportunity to win prizes by submitting a piece of their own work to a special UWS Young Writers' Day competition. The entries were 'blind' judged by a UWS-appointed panel. 

Five winning entries were selected and five entries highly commended. Each winner will receive a conditional scholarship offer for undergraduate study at UWS; $5000 per annum for up to four years.  Winners also receive a Kindle keyboard 3G and wireless e-reader.  Highly commended entrants receive a $30 book voucher.

Congratulations to the following winning and highly commended entries in the 2011 competition:

• Kaitlin Ball, Penrith Anglican College - 'Changing Times' Winner
• Rachel Gibbons, Penrith High School - 'Running' Highly commended
• Tara Heaslip, Mount Carmel High School - 'The Unknown Truth' Highly commended
• Lily Herrera, Sarah Redfern High School - 'Writing' Highly commended
• Caitlin Hooper, Elderslie High School - Untitled Winner
• Zainab Khan, St Patrick's College - 'Through a Window' Winner
• Joel Matthews, John Therry Catholic High School - 'Become the Hunted' Highly commended
• Robert McGill, John Therry Catholic High School - 'In Cheerful Darkness' Winner
• Suzanna Moschetti, Elderslie High School - 'Locked In' Highly commended
• Meggan Walker, Campbelltown Performing Arts High School - 'Spectrum' Winner