JAGS pupils triumph in creative writing awards
We are proudly celebrating the creativity of our pupils, whose work was longlisted, shortlisted and even named as winners at the GSA Junior Writing Awards 2025.
On Monday, Hiva (Y3) and Sienna (Y6), winners of the Year 3/4 and Year 5/6 categories respectively, were accompanied by Mrs Johnson to the GSA Summer Briefing.
The girls were presented with their awards and a selection of signed books, by Catherine Barr, the competition’s judge, and author of the bestselling The Story of Life: A First Book on Evolution and over 35 award-winning non-fiction books on nature and conservation. Catherine was extremely impressed with the standard of the writing in all the entries she read.
See what Catherine had to say about the JAGS Junior submissions below:
WINNERS
Hiva (Y3) – The Story of Mumbai
“Hiva has a wonderfully original idea. She captures her reader’s interest in the history of Mumbai with an adventurous dream, inspired by family visits to this ‘City of Dreams’. Vividly told in the first person, Hiva’s narrative flies through time, dipping in and out of Mumbai’s well researched history and culture.”
Sienna (Y6) – The Story of Belonging
“This story is beautifully written. It is a poignantly global story, poetically told. Gentle illustrations reflect Sienna’s words in this insightful personal journey spanning generations and history from Uganda to Kenya and England. As she writes in her back cover blurb, it is a story of ‘strength, love and legacy’, reminding us all that ‘home is more than a place’.”
SHORTLISTED
Zoia (Y6) – The Story of Dulwich
“Zoia’s book is indeed a ‘knowledgeable ride through time’. I learnt so much! I enjoyed the attention to detail, perspective and colourful illustrations reflecting this interesting story.”
Amy (Y4) – The Story of West Norwood
“I put on my ‘West Norwood history cap’ and thoroughly enjoyed this lively, well told story. I liked the direct writing style, challenging the reader with questions that kept me engaged and interested throughout. I learnt a lot.
LONGLISTED
Charlie (Y3) – The Story of TAT
“The fabulous cover portrait of this book instantly shares the personality of Charlie’s Armenian grandmother Tat. I was fascinated by this well written family story of determination and inspiration, complimented with an interesting historical timeline.”
Ottilie (Y3) – The Story of Minack Theatre
“The fabulous cover portrait of this book instantly shares the personality of Charlie’s Armenian grandmother Tat. I was fascinated by this well written family story of determination and inspiration, complimented with an interesting historical timeline.”
Rosie (Y6) – The Story of the Tyndalls
“This richly told and well researched family story spans the globe. I loved the elevated themes of courage, resilience, adventure and perseverance. I am quite sure Rosie will make, as she hopes, her clan proud.”
Well done to all the girls who entered the competition, they should all be extremely proud of their entries. The books will be on display in the library from next week for everybody to enjoy!
