Brexit poem wins him top prize in college competition

A GROUP of students were challenged to showcase their creative writing skills in a competition '“ by writing about Brexit.
Winners, from left, Conni Groves, Martin Lloyd, Sam Walker and Anna Danso-AmoakoWinners, from left, Conni Groves, Martin Lloyd, Sam Walker and Anna Danso-Amoako
Winners, from left, Conni Groves, Martin Lloyd, Sam Walker and Anna Danso-Amoako

Highbury College Sixth Form Academy challenged some of their students, aged 14-16, to take part and submit a piece.

The entries were read by five judges including award-winning poet Maggie Sawkins, author Claire Colley, Poet Laureate Sam Cox, editor of The News Mark Waldron and Highbury College English lecturer Matthew Fleming.

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Competition winner Samuel Walker said: ‘I thought the topic of Brexit was really interesting and wanted to write something a little outside the box and creative, so decided on a poem. I’m really pleased to have won.’

The competition encouraged students to get politically active and think more about Brexit by rewarding them with Amazon vouchers ranging from £150 for the winning prize and £50 for runners up.

The students could choose to create an article, poem or essay of no more than 600 words.

Second place went to Anna Danso-Amoako, and third place went to Conni Laura Groves. First runner up was Martin Lloyd.

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Competition organiser and head of Highbury College Sixth Form Academy, Dr William Pedley, said: ‘I organised this competition to encourage and enthuse local young people to develop their creative writing skills.

‘The entries were all excellent and explored a variety of styles, with winner Samuel selecting to write a poem.

‘I would like to thank everyone who entered and supported the competition, it’s been a fantastic event and I am sure all the winners will have incredibly bright futures.’

Two of the winners, Anna Danso-Amoako and Conni Laura Groves are current pupils at The Portsmouth Academy. Chiara Fraser, associate leader for English at The Portsmouth Academy added: ‘We’re so proud of Anna and Conni for their achievements. Competitions like this are a great way to encourage writing outside the classroom and build confidence.’