Writers from Smithdon High School had their analytical skills tested in a prestigious essay-writing competition held by Cambridge University, when they pipped entrants from across the region to take both first and second prizes.

Our Year 9 students were among the finalists of the Cambridge Writing Prize, which is part of the Cambridge Festival of Reading and Writing, and is open to schools across Norfolk, Cambridge, and Bradford.

“We have been fortunate to participate in this competition since its launch in 2018,” said Amanda Wright, Head of English at Smithdon, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Organised by Cambridge University, this prestigious event allows students to study texts previously shortlisted by the BBC Short Story Competition. Universal themes such as identity, family, and anxiety are ideas students explore as they study texts such as ‘Ghillie’s Mum’ by Lynda Clark, ‘Scrimshaw’ by Eley Williams, and ‘The Sweet Sop’ by Ingrid Persaud.”

The whole of Year 9 took part in the annual contest, focusing on ‘The Sweet Sop’, and each producing a 500- to 750-word essay giving a personal perspective on the piece.

“It is a story about relationships, forgiveness, and – perhaps the most relatable aspect – a penchant for chocolate,” explained Mrs Wright. “Victor, the narrative’s protagonist, bonds with his terminally ill, estranged father, Reggie, over chocolate.

“Students read and interrogated the text before writing an essay about individual perspective.

“Three years of Key Stage 3 study culminated in this intense, academic writing, and the Smithdon Year 9 cohort all participated in the process.”

Around 80 students from a range of different schools came together at Cambridge University for the Prize Giving, which also featured a competitive scavenger hunt in the grounds of Robinson College, and a buffet lunch, as well as a university-style lecture by Professor Raphael Lyne at Lady Mitchell Hall on Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 116’.

Alex da Costa, Chair of the Faculty of English, was on hand to make the presentations, which included overall winner Brayden May, and runner-up Hadleigh Clay – both Smithdon students.

“Brayden’s essay was commended for its insightful analysis of the subtleties of the text,” continued Mrs Wright. “The Selection Committee called his writing ‘perceptive, interesting and incisive’.

“Hadleigh’s essay was awarded for it being ‘perceptive, well articulated, and coherent’.”

“The opportunity to participate in this competition is unparalleled,” she added.

“Students have the opportunity to spend the day at one of the finest universities, and they have access to diverse texts which expand their knowledge of English as an academic subject, and broaden their understanding of the world and human experience.

“The competition promotes confidence and independence – students discuss literature, and how they choose to respond to the prompt of ‘individual perspective’ is ultimately up to them.”