Calling all budding writers… Pens at the ready as Writing the World heads to London with top author Floella Benjamin!

Rules – PleAse ReAD CAReFullY

Send your story directly to: Writing the World, Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB, or give it to your teacher, who can submit all the stories from your class.

If you have any queries you can contact Janna Feldman on 020 8545 8326 or Janna@polkatheatre.com

All entries must be received at Polka Theatre by 5pm, Friday 30 March 2012

1. The competition is open to any child of primary school age. There are three age categories: Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4, Years 5 & 6.

2. The story should be inspired in some way by London.

3. Stories may be submitted by an individual, a pair or even a group of children.

4. The story must be your own original work and written in English.

5. Stories should be either typed or neatly handwritten – if we can’t read it, we can’t judge it!

6. On the front page of your story, write the title of your story, plus your name, school and which age category you are entering (Years 1 & 2 / 3 & 4 / 5 & 6). Please provide the contact details (address, phone number or e-mail) of an adult we can contact if you are one of the winners – either a teacher or family member.

7. By entering the competition all entrants give permission that winning stories may be published in various forms or formats as decided by Polka Theatre.

8. The decisions of the judging panel are final and we regret we are unable to give feedback.

9. All stories are non-returnable, please keep a copy for yourself.

10. If you wish to receive an acknowledgment that Polka has received your story, please enclose a stamped addressed envelope.

11. Only the winners will be notified directly, but details of the winning entries

will be posted on Polka’s website from Monday 16 July 2012.

Good Luck – on your marks, get set… get writing!

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Polka Theatre, 240 The Broadway, Wimbledon, London SW19 1SB

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Competition deadline 30 March 2012

LONDON

2012 is the fifth and final year of our popular story-writing competition for children of primary school age. For the past four years we have asked you to write short stories about a different country and culture each year. But with the world coming to London this summer, we want you to write stories inspired by our capital city… London!

Polka is delighted that top children’s author Floella Benjamin will be joining us and writing her very own story about London. Visit www.polkatheatre.com to see what Floella discovers and take a look at her top ten special tips and hints on writing a great story. Then from 6 April, you can read what story she’s come up with!

‘Writing the World is such a brilliant idea and I am so thrilled to be this year’s writer. When I was a child my father told my brothers and sisters and I fantastic stories from every continent which opened our minds to the world and made us curious about other cultures. His stories stimulated our imaginations as we visualised the characters and places in them. I hope this exciting project will inspire children, not only to read and enjoy storytelling, but to create their own stories, because everyone can be creative, all it takes is imagination’

Baroness Floella Benjamin, OBE

What should I write?The story must in some way be inspired by London. It might be set in London, either now or in the past. It might have a character in it who is from London, or who has been to London or is interested in London. It might involve an object or photograph from London. It’s up to you to decide on the connection.

Categories:There are three age categories:Years 1 & 2 Create a storyboard of 6 pictures, with a caption underneath each oneYears 3 & 4 Write a short story of up to 500 wordsYears 5 & 6 Write a short story of up to 1000 words

What are the prizes?The winning entrants in each age category will each win £25 of book tokens. Their stories will be performed by professional actors at Polka Theatre on Saturday 14 July 2012, and then posted on Polka’s website.

Where can I get some ideas from?Visit www.polkatheatre.com/editorial/writing-the-world for more ideas and information. Ask a friend, teacher or family member for help or use the internet.

What we’re looking for:• Interesting and exciting ideas

• Characters we care about, and who spark our imagination

• Something that matters to you.

“Stories written by children for children is always a winning formula and the Writing the World project creates a perfect platform for this and also provides our children with a fantastic opportunity to write for a purpose… The children love attending the summer event where the winning stories are brought to life on stage. The standard of projects and performances on offer at the Polka is always very high and we strongly value the opportunity to be taking part.”

Zoe Antoniades, Arts Manager, Vauxhall Primary School

“Just wanted to say what a success I thought the show was today, it was great. It was such an amazing experience for the children, especially those who had their story acted out to an audience.”

Maria Tebano, Teacher, Lonesome School

Right: Image by Writing the World Brazil 2012 Winner, Aaron TunnaBelow: Image by Writing the World India 2009 Winner, Jessica Taussig

Writing the World is supported by