English Teacher ‘proud as punch’ as students win Trust‑wide writing awards
Smith’s Wood Academy students have been recognised for their creativity and flair after impressing judges in FMAT’s Fabulous Fiction Fest, a Trust‑wide creative writing competition.
The challenge, originally set on World Book Day, invited students to reimagine well‑known characters in completely new stories of up to 500 words.
Across the Trust, entries featured everything from Shakespearean figures to Disney icons and dystopian heroes.
At Smith’s Wood Academy, Year 9 student Joeliyn A E n was named overall winner for her striking reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood – who is “not so little anymore,” instead described as “a silent sly lady, crawling walls and drinking poisons.”
Inspired by writers who have reinvented Disney Princesses, Joeliyn said: “I liked that we didn’t have to put the character within the same plot or setting so instead of her being hunted by the wolf, she is getting revenge for what the wolf did to her parents, and this time she is the one eating the wolf.”
English Teacher Craig Lamb said the competition was a great way for students to explore their talents. “Students were really given free rein to be creative and I really saw some quite outlandish, unique and original pieces amongst the entrants.
“It really gave me a boost last week when I heard we had a winner and three runners-up. I’m absolutely proud as punch. Not entirely surprised as we have so many talented students here, but these stories were a privilege to read.”
Smith’s Wood’s success formed part of a wider celebration of creativity across Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, with students from all four academies showcasing originality, confidence and a love of storytelling.
All winners across the Trust received £25 book tokens, with runners‑up receiving £10 book tokens to help fuel their passion for reading and writing.
