This challenge is optional and open to individual Year 6 pupils across the UK. The full guidelines are below, but before you read them, here are two previous winning entries that we turned into videos to use in our live event.
We hope you enjoy…and feel inspired!
The Big School Writing Challenge
Pupils are invited to create a short piece of work that captures what it feels like to be at the end of Primary 7 and on the edge of secondary school.
The piece should be no more than 100 words (it can be fewer).
Pupils can choose any form, including:
- a short piece of writing
- a diary entry or letter
- a poem
- a comic or illustrated piece
- a mixed media response
The focus is on honesty and reflection rather than presentation or spelling.
Submission Details
Entries can be submitted by:
- a teacher
- a parent or carer
Submissions should be emailed to:
Please use the email subject line:
The Big School Writing Challenge – Scotland Submissions
The deadline for submissions is 31st May.
Judging and Sharing
The team at Tree of Knowledge will judge the winning entries, and these will be shared during the We’re Off To the Big School live event.
Winners will receive a prize, and schools will be contacted directly if a pupil from their school is selected.
Please note:
- All entries submitted may be used by Tree of Knowledge in future marketing and literature relating to this event.
- Individual pupils will not be contacted directly.
Delivery in School
Schools may choose to:
- complete the challenge in class
- set it as homework
- or allow pupils to opt in independently
There is no requirement for all pupils to take part.
The aim of the challenge is to give pupils a voice at a key moment of transition and to celebrate the range of thoughts and feelings that come with it.
