On 13th December in Chapel, we were delighted to award girls for their outstanding submissions to this year’s Literalily creative writing competition.

The overall winner was Bea (LV - Year 10) whose outstanding prose piece Eurydice’s Eulogy to a Marriage explored the well-loved classical figure with a modern twist. An extract of Bea’s story was read to us by Imogen (UVI - Year 13), student Head of English.

This year’s themes – 'Looking Out', 'Presence' and 'Together' - inspired a truly inspirational range of poetic and prose interpretations, with our professional judge, Beth Webb, commenting:

‘the level of writing skill and craftsmanship in this year’s entries was outstanding! In all my years of teaching creative writing, I have never seen submissions like these. You have some real stars here.

What struck me most was the humanity and empathy the entries showed – real attempts to observe, then put oneself into other people’s shoes. Submissions also covered vital issues of diversity and inclusiveness, which was a joy to see.’

It is wonderful to receive such impressive feedback and the English Department would like to thank everyone for their creative approach and dedication to their writing.

This year’s award-winning entries are:

Fourth Form – Poetry
Winner – Alice, UIV (Year 9)
Runner-up – Florence, MIV (Year 8)

Fourth Form – Prose
Winner – Cataline, UIV (Year 9)
Runner-up – Tied – Christa and Sophie, UIV (Year 9)

Fifth Form – Poetry
Winner – Elowen, UV (Year 11)
Runner-up – Tied – Tilly, UV (Year 11), and Eva, LV (Year 10)

Fifth Form – Prose
Winner – Bea, LV (Year 10)
Runner-up – Honor, LV (Year 10)

Sixth Form – Poetry
Winner – Beatrix, LVI (Year 12)
Runner-up – Leah, LVI (Year 12)

Sixth Form – Prose
Winner – Marguerite, UVI (Year 13)
Runner-up – Leah, LVI (Year 12)

All entries awarded as winners or runners-up, plus a selection of the highly commended written work, will be published alongside pieces of outstanding artwork created in the past year in the next edition of Literalily magazine, due out at Easter.

Congratulations again to everyone who entered – it has been a pleasure to read your work!

Miss Julie Grant, Second in English and Editor of Literalily Magazine