StorySLAM is an annual competition run by the Group for pupils in Years 5 and 6 which invites them to write and perform their own original poem or story. This year, pupils were challenged to create a short story inspired by books written by Sunday Times bestselling author Dan Freedman, with common themes including dream-chasing, resilience, teamwork and fairness.
Pupils took part in their own in-school competitions, with champions selected to represent their school at one of three regional finals. These exciting events took place over several weeks in February, with the midlands final hosted by Hill View Primary School in North Oxfordshire, the southern final by Queen’s Manor Primary School in London and the northern final by Hunningley Primary Academy in Barnsley.
At the regional finals, pupils benefited from a special story workshop run by Dan Freedman, with some pupils also getting the opportunity to take to the stage to perform their stories in front of their peers as well as the judging panel. The panel included Dan Freedman, alongside teachers and staff members from United Leaning who brought expertise in storytelling and performance.
Following a host of impressive performances, the judges had the difficult task of choosing an Overall Winner for best combined writing and performance, a Runner Up for outstanding effort and creativity and Best Line for most memorable description or phrase. Special recognition was also given for the most inspirational story.
The winners of the midlands StorySLAM final were:
- Overall Winner - Mason, Hanwell Fields Community School
- Runner Up - Aizah, Corngraves Academy
- Best Line - Alisha, Timbertree Academy
The winners of the southern StorySLAM final were:
- Overall Winner - Jahmelia, Walthamstow Primary Academy
- Runner Up - Claudia, Surbiton High Girls' Preparatory School
- Best Line - a pupil at Wilberforce Primary Academy
The winners of the northern StorySLAM final were:
- Overall Winner - Yuvraaj, Brentnall Academy
- Runner Up - Laveah, Dukegate Academy
- Best Line - Hafsa, William Hulme's Grammar School
Dan Freedman, professional author and StorySLAM judge, said:
“It was an absolute privilege to join United Learning for the regional Grand Finals of StorySLAM. To say I was blown away by the pupils’ stories would be a huge understatement! Their writing was deeply impressive, as was the outstanding way they performed their work. I was inspired by their talent and commitment, and I’m sure this experience will benefit them in both their lives and education going forward.
“All the schools were a pleasure to work with and made me feel so welcome. I have no doubt we have some future authors among this year’s contestants, and I look forward to buying their books in a few years.”
Catherine Horton-Hale, Primary Regional Director for the North and StorySLAM lead said:
“Very well done to all our pupils who took part in this year’s StorySLAM competition, from those who so promisingly took to the stage during in-school competitions to those who came away as winners of the regional finals. It isn’t easy to stand up in a room full of your peers and share an original piece of work but from the smiles on our pupils faces and how impressively they performed, it was clear that they revelled in the experience. Our sincere thanks to Dan Freedman in particular for his fantastic and ongoing support.
“StorySLAM is a competition we have delivered for several years now as part of our commitment to delivering an Education with Character to our young people. We look forward to continuing to engage our pupils in StorySLAM and giving them the opportunity to develop their confidence, creativity and curiosity.”