Net zero superhero book winners crowned
Four Tees Valley schoolchildren have had their writing skills recognised in a World Book Day competition.
The 500-word challenge to create an energy-themed superhero story, was launched in March.
The competition was part of the Dogger Bank Wind Farm-funded Building our Futures programme, which aims to embed STEM careers education into every primary school in Redcar and Cleveland, through engaging workshops supported by local employers.
The programme is delivered by Redcar and Cleveland Voluntary Development Agency (RCVDA) with strategic support and guidance from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.
Judges from Dogger Bank Wind Farm and its civil engineering contractor, Keltbray, were joined by local poet and published author Bob Beagrie, to decide on the winning entries.
Sammy from KTS Academy was selected as the winner, with her tale of Ice Man and his ability to rescue penguins and polar bears by refreezing melting ice caps.
Connie of St Joseph’s Primary in Loftus, Leah of Handale Primary in Loftus and Bonnie of Dormanstown Primary, were all recognised as highly-commended runner-ups. Bonnie was selected for a special silver award for impressing the judges with her exceptional use of descriptive language.
Customer and social value lead for Keltbray, Stuart Culley, said:
“It was an honour for Keltbray to be involved in this short story writing competition. Across every area of our business, we’re committed to engaging with young people and raising aspirations for the science, technology, engineering and maths-based careers that are available. It’s particularly been of interest to see how the children have used the creative aspects, to share their understanding of the construction industry, our drive towards carbon reduction / net-zero projects and leaving a legacy for future generations. We really enjoyed reading their work, we hope that together we’ve been able to inspire future generations to work in the field of renewable energy.”
Middlesbrough poet and published author, Bob Beagrie, said:
“As a published writer, I was taken aback by the quality of the young people’s creative writing, the sophistication of language, narrative ideas and their imagination in creative Net Zero superhero stories for the Doggerbank Windfarm.”
The Building Our Futures programme has now provided STEM career workshops for more than 4,000 primary school children, from 36 schools in Redcar and Cleveland. 73 local employers have given up a combined 377 hours to contribute to its success in its first two years.
Find out more here: Building Our Futures – RCVDA