Short Story Success at Chelmsford College

As an organisation who consistently champions creativity, Chelmsford College ran a college-wide short story competition. Encouraging both full-time and adult learners alike, the competition inspired learners to use their imaginations and showcase their creative writing skills.

With free reign over the genre and plot, the only rules were to not use AI and be within a 250 word limit. The challenge definitely sparked interest as 44 learners submitted entries! After the hard task of sifting through submissions, which the team admitted to actually being an enjoyable and pleasant one, they had the difficult responsibility of then deciding winners.

In a small but inviting Awards Ceremony hosted at the Princes Road campus, Jennifer Page, English, Maths and ESOL Team Leader, Wendy Johnson, Head of Department – Construction, Engineering and Retrofit and Julian Gerrish, Learning and Study Centre Advisor, revealed the results.

Danielle Grainger, a learner studying T Level Media, Broadcast and Production, inspiringly came first place with her story titled Dearest Sgt. Devereux. Set in a historical period, Danielle used a real typewriter and complex vocabulary to create a realistic but exciting read. The story is in the form of a letter addressed to “Dearest Sgt. Devereux” hence the name. The achievement saw Danielle prized with a certificate and £40 voucher.

Joshua Clay, who studies Level 3 Games Design, was awarded runner-up with his story Butterflies. The poignant plot described the charm of butterflies and how they gracefully led the story subject “to the light”. Joshua was awarded a certificate and £20 voucher for his skills.

Winning another runner-up spot was Jaylen Killick for his story Zombie Apocalypse. This narrative focuses on an intense announcement following a zombie apocalypse and the thrilling fight to get free. Jaylen was awarded a certificate and £20 voucher for his success.

All winners were very well deserving and Chelmsford College congratulates them on their hard work and ability.