The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) invites all Grade 4 learners in the province to enter the 2024 Story Stars essay competition.
Launched four years ago, Story Stars is an animated short film created by using stories written and narrated by Grade 4 learners of the Western Cape. It details the adventures of the characters Felix and Felicity, and the entrants of the competition expand the storyline with their ideas.
The department says the idea behind the competition is to get learners excited about creative writing and the opportunities it can bring.
“In a survey of a class of Grade 4 learners in 2019 it was evident that their interests lay in watching cartoons and becoming YouTube stars,” David Maynier, Western Cape MEC for Education, pointed out. “I don’t think much has changed in 2024.”
On a previous occasion Maynier said: “The WCED decided to create a competition that encouraged reading and creative writing, one that could ultimately result in an animated film – written, narrated and starred in by the winner themselves. By having an animated version of the story, learners can really see their stories come to life.”
Story Stars booklets have been distributed to all the 2024 Grade 4 learners across the Western Cape to read and enjoy.
Grade 4 teachers are encouraged to help their learners read the story booklet, watch the animation film and then finish the story by including themselves as a character. Entries for the competition close on 10 May.
“We would like to encourage all Grade 4 learners to enter the competition and for their teachers to submit the best stories in their class. We are looking for creative and adventurous stories from Grade 4 learners, taking us to wild and imaginative places!”
Big prizes are up for grabs for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The film can be viewed at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/story-stars
