Eight children from Clore Tikva School got through to the semi-finals of the BBC’s 500 Words competition – with Yasmin Block (pictured) then making the final at Buckingham Palace and a place in the top 25.
The UK’s largest children’s writing competition, more than 44,000 kids aged 5-11 took part in 500 words – including many from Clore Tikva and other Essex schools.
Head Margot Buller said: “We at Clore Tikva are proud of the journey we have taken as a Storytelling School. Teaching writing through storytelling involves processes which are engaging, dynamic and creative. By developing the skills and vocabulary to re tell and reinvent stories, our children become confident communicators and storytellers, both orally and in writing.
“The results of the BBC 500 Words Competition and current English achievements are a testament to the staff and students of Clore Tikva who embrace this wonderful approach and have an increasing love of the language and joy of storytelling.”
Yasmin’s story, entitled Kindness Makes the World a Brighter Place, now features on the BBC website.
The year two student was invited to Buckingham Palace for the final, where she shook hands with Her Majesty Queen Camilla and was joined by celebrities including Lenny Henry, Romesh Ranganathan and Roman Kemp.
The school’s English Lead Natalie Saville said: “I am just so proud of all of the children who entered this fantastic competition. Every day at Clore Tikva, we see the enthusiasm and determination of the children to succeed in English. Yasmin is a wonderful example of how enthusiasm, hard work and determination pays off.”
- An interview with Yasmin and her family will appear in the Pesach edition of the Essex Jewish News.
