Bradield Senior College student Jordan Shaw is the North Shores newest prize winning author, following her win at the 2012 Mosman Youth Awards in Literature competition.
Mosman Mayor, Anne Connon presented Jordan with the Senior Secondary Prose award and a $350 prize at a ceremony held at Mosman library.
Judges praised Jordan’s short story ‘Of 1914’ about a World War 1 British soldier, traumatised by war and dreaming of home for its historical accuracy.
Jordan was one of several Bradfield students to enter the competition; fellow students Isabella Brook, Scarlet Benson, Georgia Hammett, Tiffany Herbrik and Kori Vukovic received merit awards for their submissions.
In June, Jordan’s ‘Of 1914’ also won the Bill Coppell North Sydney Writers Award.
“I had no idea my short story would ever be so successful,” she said, “I was so surprised and grateful to win this latest award. It was a great honour.”
Jordan said she believed her story’s success is due to its potential to resonate with most readers.
“I think that people like to read things about people and challenging situations,” she said, “War is a difficult time and it’s something we can all look back and reflect on. It’s very easy to make someone feel something when writing about war.”
Still yet to complete year 12, Jordan says she has already developed a true appreciation for writing.
“I love my English class – the teachers are fantastic and the class really allows you to explore creative writing,” she said.
“I love writing, and hope I’ll be able to continue. If I could ever write about things I love and make a career out of it, that would be great.”
Bradfield Senior College students are encouraged to participate in writing competitions and embrace self-expression and creativity.
“Students come to Bradfield with a broad range of writing abilities, so we offer a writing workshop at the beginning of year 11 so students can practise their writing skills without the pressure of assessments,” said Suzanne Bergersen, Director of Bradfield Senior College.
“It builds their confidence and gives more advanced students the opportunity to extend their skills and really shine.”
Bradfield Senior College is taking enrolments for 2013. For more information call 9448 4200.