Beechwood Park kids tell us about how it felt to win £500 in a national handwriting competition.

Brendan says: “Back in April , we were told by our teacher to write out a poem for the Society of Assistants Teaching in Preparatory Schools (SATIPS) handwriting competition. We had to write in pen and very neatly to try and win. It was hard not to make mistakes, but great fun.

“I copied out a poem called To My Favourite Pen, which was about 12 lines long. When I was told I had won a prize, coming third in age nine category, I felt shocked but also very pleased, because I didn’t think my handwriting was that good!”

Olivia says: “I wrote out a poem called Woollen Underpants. Our class teacher, Mrs Bloomfield, gave us a sheet of paper decorated with brightly coloured pants! I like entering competitions, so tried really hard to use my best handwriting.

“It took quite a long time before I was told I had won the age six category. I felt brilliant when I heard the good news. When I went back to class, Mrs Bloomfield and my class gave me a big clap and that made me feel fantastic! I am very proud of myself, and am glad that I have tried so hard with my handwriting – I now have to keep it neat!”

Matthew says: “When I heard I’d won my category I was very shocked to say the least. I never had considered that my handwriting was all that stylish although it is neat. I enjoyed choosing a poem from an anthology in our classroom and as I copied it out, it made me get more meaning from it.”