Teachers and librarians are being given the chance to join Sir Lenny Henry on the judging panel of the UK’s most successful children’s writing competition.
500 Words will relaunch this September and the BBC is now searching for teachers and librarians across the UK to register their interest in joining the panel, who will help choose the best entries later this year.
The competition aims to find the most talented young writers and since it was first launched by Chris Evans on The Radio 2 Breakfast Show in 2011 (continued by Zoe Ball until 2020), the competition has received over a million stories written by children, generating more than 440 million words to date.
New for 2023, World Book Day ambassador Sir Lenny Henry will be making his debut on the 500 Words judging panel, alongside the original judges - award-winning and best-selling authors Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Francesca Simon, Charlie Higson and former children’s laureate Malorie Blackman.
The competition will enjoy the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, who has supported the 500 Words competition every year since 2015.
The grand final will take place on World Book Day 2024, where 50 finalists will be invited to a star-studded event at a special location.
Previous locations for the final have included Windsor Castle, Hampton Court and the Tower of London.
How does BBC's 500 Words competition work?
With a focus on primary schools, the entries will be split into two age categories – children aged five to seven and eight to 11.
The Reading Agency will then whittle down the entries into a top 50, which are then passed onto the final judging panel which will select the bronze, silver and gold winners in each of the two age categories.
The competition is focused on imagination and creativity, rather than spelling, punctuation or grammar, encouraging children of all abilities to enter.
The competition is supported by BBC Teach, with BBC Breakfast hosting the initiative for 2023.
How do I apply?
Teachers and librarians can find out more information about volunteering to take part in the first round of judging at BBC Teach.
Chief Content Officer at BBC, Charlotte Moore said: “We are thrilled to once again host the 500 Words competition and help discover a range of young authors with big imaginations.
“It is fantastic that the competition will be supported by The Queen Consort and we do hope teachers and librarians across the UK will get involved in this chance to help find the writers of tomorrow.”
BBC Breakfast presenter, Jon Kay said: “We are delighted to be championing 500 Words and look forward to the no doubt stellar entries from talented, aspiring young writers up and down the country that are sure to follow in due course.”
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