Budding young writer Chloe Oldfield is one of top performers in NSW, being one of just 18 students to win Gold in this year's WriteOn competition.
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The Bowral Primary School pupil was among just 54 young writers being celebrated for their outstanding ability alongside 17 exceptional HSC students as part of the NSW Student Literary Awards.
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) recognised the 71 students whose impressive writing skills are testament to the strong NSW curriculum and outstanding teaching taking place throughout NSW.
The Student Literary Awards combine the annual WriteOn competition, open to primary school students from Years 1 to 6, and the launch of the Young Writers Showcase, an anthology of exemplary compositions by HSC English Extension 2 students.
All entrants to the competition had to respond to the same stimulus which was a picture of people riding camels in the bush.
Chloe's imaginative story was cantered on a brother and sister, forced to go on a camel ride while on holidays with their parents. The annoying brother tells a far fetched story to his incredulous sister about a camel with magical powers, but then something special happens...
"It was really amazing to be there at the ceremony and very cool to hear the stories and poems of other young writers," Chloe said.
"It has inspired me to try out for more things and look for more opportunities with my writing."
Chloe said one of the biggest things she enjoyed about writing was the freedom to explore various ideas.
"I really enjoy writing because you can let your imagination go free and you have complete control over where you want your story to go."
She said she enjoys it so much it could even be a career one day.
"I would love to be a writer for a living. That would be so cool."
Proud Mum Bek Oldfield said she was thrilled the school had provided the opportunities for Chloe's writing to be recognised.
"Aren't we lucky to have a wonderful school, teachers and access to these opportunities while living regionally," Ms Oldfield said.
"Reading as a family is really important to us and we are grateful that our children love books as much as we do.
"We are all so excited for Chloe and so proud of her for receiving such a prestigious award."
NESA CEO Paul Martin said these two events held together celebrate the skilful and creative writing of students from Year 1 through to Year 12.
"The Literary Awards are a wonderful way to see students of all ages celebrated for their literacy prowess," Mr Martin said.
"Their work covers the spectrum from primary schoolers' fun, imaginative and creative world of fiction to the moving, thought-provoking and meaningful work coming from our best writers who completed the 2022 HSC."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car presented awards to students at the event, held at the State Library of NSW.
Mr Martin said literacy skills continue to be the foundation of all learning, in all subjects.
"Our NSW curriculum invites creativity, drives critical thinking and encourages expression - skills needed during school and throughout life beyond," he said.
"Well done, to these talented students from all school sectors across the state."