Calling all budding writers… Pens at the ready as Writing the World heads to Brazil with top author Marcus Sedgwick!

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 8 April 2011.

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 Brazil.

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 9 July 2011.

Good luck – and happy writing!

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Competition deadline 8 April 2011

This is the fourth year of our successful story-writing competition for children of primary school age. In previous years we have focused on China (2008), India (2009) and South Africa (2010). This year we want children to write short stories inspired by Brazil…

Polka is delighted that the widely-admired writer of young-fiction and author of The Ravern Mysteries, Marcus Sedgwick, will be joining us and writing his very own short story about Brazil. Visit www.polkatheatre.com to see

what Marcus discovers and take a look at his top ten special tips and hints on writing a great story. Then from 6 April, you can read what story he’s come up with!

‘Writing the World is such a great idea. How better to get us all thinking about parts of the world we know less about, than to explore them through story writing?’ Marcus Sedgwick

What should I write?The story must in some way be inspired by Brazil. It might be set in Brazil, either now or in the past. It might have a character in it who is Brazilian, or who has been to Brazil or is interested in Brazil. It might involve an object or photograph from Brazil. 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 9 July 2011, and then posted on Polka’s website.

But I don’t know much about Brazil!Don’t worry, there are lots of ways to find out more. Ask a teacher, friend, or family member for help, visit your local library, or use the internet. Visit www.polkatheatre.com and click on the Writing the World link for more ideas.

What we’re looking for:

• Interesting and exciting ideas

• Characters we care about, and who spark our imagination

• Something that matters to you.

Writing the World is supported by

“I wanted to express my thanks for all your hard work and the excellent organisation of the competition. The author’s praise of the children’s work was wonderful recognition as were the prizes themselves.” Taslima Mirza, mother of Ibrahim Steel

(2009 winner)

“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

Above right: Image by Writing the World South Africa 2010 Winner, Lola Tantaglia BakerAbove left: Image by Writing the World India 2009 Winner, Jessica Taussig