StorySLAM is an annual competition run by United Learning for pupils in Years 5 and 6, which challenges them to write their own 200-300 word stories to then perform in front of their peers. Inspired by a similar event which began in New York, the aim of the competition is to develop children’s creativity, confidence and literacy skills in a supportive and fun environment.
In recent years we have enjoyed participating in this event but this year we decided to hold our own in-house story-writing and story-telling competition in the prep school to involve more children. Communication is one of our Banstead Prep Learner Powers (recently recognised by ISI as a ‘Significant Strength‘) – not just the written word but the spoken word too, so this exciting challenge was an excellent opportunity for all of our students in Years 3 – 6 to shine. We were amazed by the standard of writing and it was a difficult decision for teachers to narrow it down to 3 pieces per year group.
Twelve finalists were selected to read their stories in our final which was held on Friday 17 January in the school hall. The judges – Mrs Dziedziela, Mr Chesworth and Miss Perry – were in awe of all the children, who wrote such fantastic and varied stories, and how well they read their stories aloud to an audience. Members of the audience later commented on the writing being “really extraordinary” and how the performances “are an amazing reflection of the hard work put in by the teachers to bring out the best in our children.”
Below is a list of finalists and overall winners whose work will be displayed in school. We look forward to holding a similar event again next year!
Finalists
| 3 | Eleni P | Tom and the Goblin |
| 3 | Dylan M | Sword of the Spirits |
| 3 | Grace O | Noufolofagus |
| 4 | Elizabeth O | Amily and the Dream Queen |
| 4 | Jonty A | Bob Tries to Fly |
| 4 | Lila R | The Flying Chair |
| 5 | Logan S | The Book of Nightmares |
| 5 | Darcie H | One survivor |
| 5 | David S | The Destroyer of the Realms |
| 6 | Fin W | Reflection |
| 6 | Ishan N | An Ocean Voyage |
| 6 | Amara C | Stranded |
Winners
Lower Prep
- Best Performance – Grace O
- BPS Head’s Award – Lila R
Upper Prep
- Best Performance – David S
- Best Line – Darcie H ‘All through the journey Ashley talked; she talked about everything from arachnophobia to zebras!’
- Best Overall Story – Fin W (story below)
Reflection
Hurry! The little dragon clawed his way through the air, hacking through the branches and slipping beyond the trees. His cries of terror seemed like voiceless echoes against the dampening wind. Weightless air attacked his wings and ripped them into pieces, as he tried to shake off his midnight pursuer.
Threads of moonlight wrapped their milky fingers around him guiding him through the woodland labyrinth. His lungs screamed for air and his muscles flamed but he did not give up the chase. The alarms of birds flared up as the ground around him turned into liquid. Moonlight choked his dark mimic until he was too indistinct to identify. His next wheeze of air was full of triumph.
His head felt like a rusty hinge as he directed his gaze onto the spotlight of movement focused in the water and came face to face with a new foe.
Hurling himself across the lake he pumped his wings like pistons working together to ascend up to a new goal. The mountains loomed precariously over-head as he fought for control on the breeze. He glanced back longingly over the bundle of trees that formed his home, just out of reach. The mountain air took pity on him and slowed its pace. His only company was the stiff frost that seared the mountains and guided the fresh rays of pale dawn light and his only energy were uneven bursts of fright that seemed to last lifetimes but went as fast as they came. The once picturesque landscape seemed to turn its back on him and the only spark of hope was the soft whispers of flakes that tickled his wings. He collected them before setting them off again on their descent, fluttering to their respective nooks in the pointed boulders.
The little dragon felt no other feeling but fear as he burrowed his way directly into the mouth of a cave. Darkness flocked around him as he stiffened his body against the cold. Would this inky enemy follow him? How would he escape?
A wave of terror racked his mind and drew his lips back into a snarl as he cautiously picked his way to the mouth of the cave and came face to face with his midnight pursuer.
But this time was different. Instead of huge claws he saw playful paws, instead of blunt teeth he saw friendly pincers and instead of ravenous jaws he saw a smile. Some characteristics he reflected in himself.
Hurry! He clawed his way through the air, hacking through the branches and slipping beyond the trees. But this time he was not being chased; he was being followed.
By Fin.W
