The BBC 500 Words competition, launched in 2011, is one of the UK’s largest creative writing initiatives for children. Aimed at encouraging storytelling among 5 to 11-year-olds, the competition has returned in 2024 with an exciting lineup of judges, a celebration of creativity, and various rewards for participants.
What is the 500 Words Competition?
The 500 Words competition challenges children to write a story of up to 500 words on any topic of their choice. The focus is on creativity rather than technical correctness, making it accessible to children of all abilities. Entries are divided into two age categories:
5–7 years old
8–11 years old
Spelling, grammar, and punctuation are not assessed; instead, judges look for originality and storytelling prowess.
Key Dates for 2024
Launch Date: September 24, 2024
Submission Deadline: November 8, 2024, by 9 PM
Grand Final: February 2025, where winners will be announced in a celebratory event.
How to Enter
Parents, teachers, or guardians must submit entries on behalf of children through the official BBC 500 Words website. Each story must be typed and adhere to the word limit. The submission process is designed to be simple, encouraging broad participation.
Prizes
Winning stories in each age category receive:
A bundle of books for personal use.
Gold winners also earn 500 books for their school library.
Original illustrations by acclaimed artists like Rob Biddulph and Dapo Adeola.
Celebrity narrations of the top stories during the grand final event.
Judging Panel for 2024
The competition features a star-studded panel of judges, including:
Malorie Blackman (author)
Sir Lenny Henry (actor and comedian)
Francesca Simon (author of the Horrid Henry series)
Olivia Dean (singer-songwriter)
Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Children’s Laureate)
The panel will evaluate the creativity, structure, and uniqueness of each entry.
Encouraging Creativity
To spark ideas, the BBC hosts Live Lessons and school visits featuring authors and presenters. These sessions help children overcome writer’s block and explore imaginative storytelling techniques. The BBC has also partnered with organizations like the National Literacy Trust and Oxford University Press to provide resources and workshops.
Impact and Reach
Since its inception, the competition has attracted over a million entries, fostering a love for writing in children across the UK. Schools, libraries, and communities play a pivotal role in encouraging young participants, especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
Why Participate?
The competition not only enhances literacy but also boosts confidence in self-expression. For many children, 500 Words is a gateway to discovering their creative potential.
The BBC’s 500 Words competition is an annual event aimed at encouraging children aged 5–11 to unleash their creativity through storytelling. As the UK’s largest children’s writing competition, it has inspired countless young minds since its launch in 2011. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 edition of this beloved literary challenge.
A Brief Overview
The competition invites children to craft a story of 500 words or less, focusing purely on imagination and storytelling skills. Entries are judged solely on creativity, not technical writing abilities like spelling, punctuation, or grammar. This inclusive approach ensures children of all abilities feel encouraged to participate.
Key Dates for 2024
Launch Date: September 24, 2024
Deadline for Entries: November 8, 2024, at 9 PM
Grand Final: February 2025
During the final event, held in a prestigious venue, the winning stories will be celebrated with celebrity narrations and exciting rewards
How to Enter
Participants can submit their stories online via the official BBC 500 Words portal. Adults—such as parents, guardians, or teachers—must register and submit stories on behalf of the children. Each child can only enter once, and their story must adhere to the 500-word limit.
Age Categories
The competition is divided into two categories to ensure fair judging:
5–7 years old
8–11 years old
Both age groups have equal opportunities to shine, with tailored considerations for their developmental stages.
Judging Process
The competition features a multi-step evaluation process:
Volunteer Judges: Thousands of volunteers, including teachers and librarians, evaluate the initial entries.
Celebrity Panel: A star-studded panel reviews shortlisted stories to select the winners.
This year’s judging panel includes:
Malorie Blackman (renowned author)
Sir Lenny Henry (actor and comedian)
Francesca Simon (creator of Horrid Henry)
Olivia Dean (singer-songwriter)
Frank Cottrell-Boyce (Children’s Laureate)
Their focus will be on originality, emotional resonance, and narrative structure
Prizes and Recognition
Winners receive:
A bundle of books tailored to their interests.
Gold winners in each age category will earn 500 books for their school library.
Personalized illustrations of their stories by top artists like Dapo Adeola and Rob Biddulph.
Additionally, the finalists’ stories will be narrated by famous personalities during the grand final
Supporting Resources for Participants
To help children overcome writer’s block and refine their storytelling:
The BBC offers Live Lessons featuring tips from authors.
Dedicated resources are available on platforms like BBC Teach and the Reading Agency.
Parents and teachers can find guidance on encouraging young writers and submitting entries through these platforms
The Legacy of 500 Words
Since its inception, the 500 Words competition has had a profound impact:
Over a million entries have been submitted.
It fosters a love for reading and writing among children nationwide.
Winning entries often highlight important issues, showcasing the wisdom and perspective of young minds.
Why Participate?
For children, the competition is not just about prizes—it’s a chance to:
Express themselves through creative writing.
Build confidence in their storytelling abilities.
Share their unique ideas with a broader audience.
FAQs
What is the 500 Words competition?
The 500 Words competition is a writing contest that challenges participants to write a short story with a strict word limit of 500 words. It is often targeted at younger writers, particularly children, and is designed to encourage creativity, literacy, and a love for writing.
Who organizes the 500 Words competition?
The 500 Words competition is typically organized by BBC Radio 2, one of the UK’s leading radio stations. It has been running for many years and is one of the largest storytelling competitions for children in the UK.
Who can enter the 500 Words competition?
The competition is primarily aimed at children aged 5 to 13 years old. There are usually two age categories: one for children aged 5-9 years, and another for children aged 10-13 years. Both categories compete for different prizes, so age is a key factor when submitting an entry.
How do I enter the 500 Words competition?
To enter the competition, participants typically need to submit their stories online through the official BBC Radio 2 website or via an alternative submission process outlined by the competition. Entrants are required to follow the entry guidelines, which include adhering to the 500-word limit and writing an original story.
What is the deadline for the 500 Words competition?
The deadline for submitting entries varies each year, but it usually takes place in the spring, typically around March or April. It is important to check the official competition website for the exact submission dates for each year’s contest.
Looking Ahead
The competition continues to evolve, with new partnerships and initiatives aimed at making creative writing more accessible to all children. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or young writer, the 500 Words competition offers an enriching experience that celebrates the power of imagination.
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