The closing date for the 2010 competition is Thursday 17th December 2009.
Ten Steps for those entering The Pushkin Prizes in Scotland
- Prepare a Pushkin Prizes folio - your folio should contain what you consider to be your three most accomplished pieces of writing.
- You may enclose writing on which you have worked as part of your class work or writing you have done in your own time. No single piece should be longer than 1200 words.
- There are no set subjects - you are free to communicate your own ideas through fiction, poetry, drama, non-fiction or journalism. If you need some inspiration, or ideas from professional writers, click on Writing Tips which is packed with ideas to get you started.
- Write your name clearly at the top left hand corner of each piece of writing.
- Please don't bind or illustrate your writing, or use coloured fonts - shortlisted entries will be photocopied.
- If at all possible, please word process your work and print it double spaced on to one side of A4 white paper.
- We do accept handwritten entries, but only if they are in pen and clearly legible. If in doubt, please word-process your folio.
- Print off the Pushkin Prizes Entry Form (PDF
) complete it, and attach it to your folio.
- Every folio should have been authorised by a teacher with whom all contact is made. This is usually - but not always - your teacher of English.
- Only pupils in S1 and S2 in Scotland are eligible to enter The Pushkin Prizes. Schools should submit no more than 20 folios.
For pupils receiving additional support with reading and writing
If for any reason you receive additional support with your reading and writing, you are eligible to enter under the Special Endeavour Category. Every year we reserve a space for the winner of this important category.
Your folio should include up to 3 pieces of writing.
Please tick the Special Endeavour Entrant box on the entry form and ask your teacher to include a letter outlining the reasons for your eligibility in this category.
Checklist
- Completed entry form, authorised by a member of staff
- 3 pieces of work
- Special Endeavour Entrants should include a letter from their teacher
- Make a copy - we regret that we cannot return folios
- Send to the address on the entry form in time for the closing date.
What Happens Next?
Every entry is read by a team of professional writers.
A shortlist of folios is drawn up, and these are read by our judges.
In January, the judges meet to decide on the Russian winners.
In March, the judges meet to decide on the Scottish winners.
Winners' teachers will be notified immediately thereafter.
In May, winners will attend a prize-giving ceremony, after which they will travel to the Arvon Foundation Writers' Centre near Inverness for the creative writing course. (Click here to see photographs of the latest course)
