CISC - Catholic Independent Schools' Conference
Basket Members' Area
  • About
    • CISC Foundations
    • CISC Today
    • Our Strategic Plan
    • Committee
    • Key Documents & Policies
    • Headline & Supporting Sponsors
    • Partnerships
    • What is Distinctive About a Catholic School?
    • Public Benefit
  • Schools
    • Find a School
    • CISC Special Schools
  • Events & Training
    • Events Calendar
    • Annual Conference
      • Annual Conference Photos
    • INSET Training & CPD
    • Leadership Programmes
    • Competitions
    • Bishops’ Key Documents
    • Vatican Key Documents
    • Day Conference Resources
  • News
    • Latest News
    • Newsletter
    • Leadership Reflections
    • Editorial Policy
  • Careers
    • Post a Vacancy
    • Vacancies
    • Why Teach in a Catholic School?
  • Membership
    • Member Benefits
    • Membership Types
    • Join Us
  • Contact
0
Your cart is empty. Go to Shop.
30/06/2015

Farnborough Hill Girl Wins National History Prize

CISC Author News

A promising literary career could beckon for Farnborough Hill student Imogen Usherwood following her win in the 15-18 age group of the nationally renowned Chalke Valley History Prize. This is an especially impressive achievement given that Imogen is only 15!

The Chalke Valley History Prize is a historical fiction writing competition which is sponsored by Penguin Books and the Daily Mail. Students are asked to write the first chapter (up to 1,500 words) of an historical novel. They are also required to write a 500 word synopsis of their proposed book. The competition prize consists of £500, £100 of Penguin Books, £500 for the winner’s school and a one-to-one session with a senior publisher at Penguin Books. Among the judges this year were internationally best-selling author, Sebastian Faulks, acclaimed actor, Haydn Gwynne, best-selling and award-winning biographer, Claire Tomalin, and comedian and best-selling novelist, Charlie Higson.

The first chapter of Imogen’s novel 300 seconds, 300 days, chronicles a Jewish family en route from the Krakow Ghetto to the Sobibor extermination camp, oblivious to their fate. Her book would then see the key protagonist, Elsa, return as a ghost, watching over her family, as they live through the terror of situation.

Once Imogen’s entry was shortlisted for the prize she was given a free family pass to attend the Chalke Valley Festival on Sunday 28th June. She describes the experience:

“The entries to the competition were read out in turn by John Sessions, Haydn Gwynn and Charlie Higson, and mine was the last but one. They were all of a remarkably high standard. I was really impressed with them all, and was ready to settle for being a runner-up, but hearing John Sessions read something I recognised as my own work felt incredible. As soon as I heard my name announced as the winner, my eyes started to water; I couldn’t believe that something I had written in my spare time had been so well received. I was then reminded of the fantastic prizes I’d just won – not only such a generous cash prize, but moreover a meeting at Penguin’s head office in London. I made my way onto the stage, where Sebastian Faulks was waiting to congratulate me. At the end, the entrants all gathered round a table to chat with Charlie Higson and a senior publisher; I loved being in the company of so many gifted young people who all shared the same interests, and finding out what inspired them to write their historical fiction. I had such a wonderful day, and I met so many talented people. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to pursue 300 Seconds, 300 Days further with Penguin.”

One of the judges, Alex Clarke, publisher of Penguin Books, commented ‘This year’s entries were fantastic. The writing is full of wit and acutely observed, with bold, engaging characters and refreshingly original plotlines. We’re looking forward to seeing how these exciting new voices develop, influence and shape historical fiction over the coming years.’ Festival co-chair, James Holland, described the prize as ‘a fabulous opportunity for aspiring writers.’

Imogen’s history teacher at Farnborough Hill, Mr Phil Gillingham, who encouraged her to enter the competition, said ‘This is a truly exceptional achievement. To even be short-listed for the award is a tremendous success. To win the 15-18 category, aged 15, is an extraordinary feat and one Imogen will never forget. Well done, Imogen!’ Mrs Sarah Buckle, Headmistress, was also delighted for Imogen and led the congratulations and resounding applause in the school Assembly on Monday.

All aboard: fascinating double decker bus visit for St George’s Nursery children Lord Alton inspires at New Hall

Related Posts

Newsletter

News, Newsletter

CISC Newsletter – February 2021

CISC Lenten Retreat

Leadership Reflections, News

CISC Lenten Retreat with David Wells – week one

St Edwards Cheltenham matthew_website-500x520

Leadership Reflections, News

‘Heads Up’ Podcast with Matthew Burke, St Edward’s Cheltenham

Search

News

  • NewsletterCISC Newsletter – February 2021
  • CISC Lenten RetreatCISC Lenten Retreat with David Wells – week one
  • St Edwards Cheltenham matthew_website-500x520‘Heads Up’ Podcast with Matthew Burke, St Edward’s Cheltenham
  • John-Paget-TomlinsonWhat is Intellectual Curiosity and Why is it Important?
  • 200-x-200-Maureen-GlackinFood for Thought and Wisdom to Challenge

Leadership Reflections

  • CISC Lenten RetreatCISC Lenten Retreat with David Wells – week one
  • St Edwards Cheltenham matthew_website-500x520‘Heads Up’ Podcast with Matthew Burke, St Edward’s Cheltenham
  • John-Paget-TomlinsonWhat is Intellectual Curiosity and Why is it Important?
  • 200-x-200-Maureen-GlackinFood for Thought and Wisdom to Challenge
  • Annual-Conference-SQAnnual CISC Conference – a video message from Antony & Mo

Basket

Headline Sponsors

Follow us on Twitter

My Tweets
Catholic Independent Schools' Conference
Dr Maureen Glackin
19 South Road,
Hampton, Middlesex,
TW12 3PE
U.K.
T: +44 (0)7595 089928
E: info@catholicindependentschools.com

Useful Links

Events & Training
Become a Member
Find a School
Careers
Latest News
Newsletter

Leave Us A Message

Use Contact Us form
Send us an email
Write to us
Message on Twitter

© Catholic Independent Schools' Conference
E: info@catholicindependentschools.com | Dr Maureen Glackin, 19 South Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3PE
Company Limited by Guarantee No 03407765 | Registered Charity No 1063645
Registered Address: 19 South Road, Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3PE
Website Designed and Maintained by Xelium Ltd
Near me
40 miles