Writing competition for local Primary Schools

Discover Farming, the Melplash Agricultural Society’s education programme, is holding a writing competition for children in Primary Schools within a 12 miles radius of Melplash Village church kindly sponsored by Chesters Harcourt.

Each entry is to be an original piece of non-fiction writing that is connected to Food and Farming.  It is to focus on one of these food and farming topics:

  • Why does farming matter and what does it mean to you?
  • Why is it important to eat healthily and to eat seasonal foods?
  • Why is farming the biggest job on earth?
  • My favourite farming season and why?

The competition is split into four categories:

  • Upper Key Stage 2 (Year 5 or 6 or equivalent) – 500 words
  • Lower Key Stage 2 (Year 3 or 4 or equivalent) – 500 words
  • Key Stage 1 (Year 1 or 2 or equivalent) – 250 words
  • Reception – 150 words (as above but could also include a recount)

The Winner in each category will receive a certificate and book voucher for £30.   The Runner up in each category will receive a certificate and book voucher for £20.  The schools considered by the judges to have the best entries overall will receive a certificate and £500, and the runner up will receive a certificate and £250.

Katie Vining, Discover Farming Education Co-ordinator commented, “We are very excited about our new writing competition and thank Chesters Harcourt for their kind sponsorship. It is important to us in the Discover Farming classroom that all local children know where their food comes from, the role that local farmers have in bringing nutritious food to the table and how by doing so they care for the land and the environment. In the classroom they can learn all about how food travels from farm to fork, take part in hands-on-activities and also discover just how exciting a career in agriculture can be.  The classroom is open throughout the school term and is free for all local schools within a 12-mile radius of Melplash Village Church to visit”.

Closing date for entries is Friday 3rd November 2023  The entries will be judged by a panel with relevant experience in primary writing and members of the Melplash Agricultural Society.

To enter contact Katie Vining, the Discover Farming Education Co-ordinator email: katie@discoverfarming.co.uk.

Lucy