Briar Chemicals Young Poets of the Year competition launches to schools across the region.
This year’s theme is ‘Planet Earth’ and youngsters are asked to take their inspiration from their surroundings and write creatively about their perception of the world.
The final stage judge for the competition is Evolutionary biologist and TV presenter Ben Garrod. Ben has presented shows including Attenborough and the Giant Dinosaur with Sir David Attenborough, his award-winning Secrets of Bones series and most recently The Day the Dinosaurs Died on the BBC broadcasted earlier this month.
The competition, now in its 13th year, is part of Briar’s Science in Schools programme, which aims to make science learning fun, informative and create opportunities for children to learn about science and the environment.
Tim Green, Site Manager at Briar Chemicals said: “Children are intrigued about their surroundings from an early age. This competition encourages them to use their imagination; helping create an interest and understanding of how science is all around us in our everyday life.”
Briar has been shortlisted for the UK’s Chemical Industry Associations Reputation Award for recognition of their involvement within the community and will be attending the awards ceremony in June.
The competition has two age categories; eight to nine year olds and 10 to 11 year olds and schools across the region are invited to take part. The competition is open to pupils from schools within the EDP circulation area. All entries should be submitted via the schools which will be receiving forms soon.
The winner of each age category will receive £100 and each of their schools will receive £500, courtesy of Briar Chemicals. Briar will also donate £500 to help support Mr Garrod’s chosen charity, the Marine Conservation Society. The winners will also have the opportunity to spend a morning at the EDP.
First stage judges this year are Prof Anne Osbourn from the John Innes Centre and founder of the SAW Trust (Science, Art and Writing, Lauren Cope from the EDP, and Sarah Piercy from Briar Chemicals.
The closing date for the entries is 21st July 2017, with the winners announced around National Poetry Day in September. For more information about the competition, email [email protected].