Taking Part

To enter this year's essay competition, you must pick a day between 6th February 1952 and the present. Then, using one of the topics below as inspiration, tell us about what happened on that day. You might like to think about why that day was important to you, your family, or your community. The event must not be fictional, but we encourage you to be creative.

Write a poem, letter, article, essay or story about what happened. Feel free to include illustrations or photos.

1. The day I wore my best clothes.

2. A feast or a festival.

3. An interview with an adult about a significant day in their life.

4. A day's journey.

5. A birth OR a wedding OR a funeral

6. My response to an even that made the news headlines.

7. A sporting event.

8. The day I met my hero/heroine.

Thousands of young people from around the world enter every year, but the winners are often those putting pen to paper for the first time. What we look for is a creative spark, a unique insight or a bold idea.

In 2012, all essays will be entered into the Jubilee Time Capsule. For one year only, your chance of winning a prize is doubled!

By entering, you could:

• See your entry presented to Her Majesty the Queen as part of the Jubilee Time Capsule.
• Win a certificate or cash.
• Win resources for your school.
• Be flown to London.
• Be invited to meet famous authors; take part in expert workshops to learn new skills; and do work experience at international organisations.
• See your entry exhibited around the Commonwealth and featured in worldwide media.