The Head’s Review Prize offers pupils at the end of Year 9 an opportunity to write a critical review. Pupils can choose a book, film, exhibition, restaurant, journey – or something else – and write between 600 and 1,000 words.
This year’s winner, Isabel in 10RO, wrote her review on a Phoebe Bridgers concert. She said:
“I really enjoyed writing about it. It’s something I wouldn’t normally think to do but it’s really benefitted my writing skills.”
The two runners up were Katya (10CR), who reviewed Belfast Days: A 1972 Teenage Diary by Eimear O’Callaghan and Zoe, who reviewed The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
The winners signed the Head’s Book for Outstanding achievement this morning and chatted with the Head about their reviews. Mrs Lunnon was hugely impressed by the projects and explained the significance to the pupils of signing the book:
“Your names are now part of Alleyn’s history; well done for using your voices with such authenticity and passion.”
Isabel and Katya also led our Monday Middle School Assembly to share their submissions and their passion for the music, diaries and novels they explored. Our ALP course provides many opportunities to encourage our young people to engage critically and meaningfully with their world around them. Over the summer months, many of our current Year 10s reflected on their wider experiences through writing a balanced critical review.
Parents and pupils can read the full reviews in the Year 9 section of the Hub.