Performing Arts
Maggie Shaw Creative Writing Competition
Celebrating Student Voice
Named in honour of Maggie Shaw, a former Nudgee staff member who made a significant contribution to the literary life of the College, the competition connects Nudgee’s rich tradition of writing and storytelling with a new generation of student voices. The Maggie Shaw Creative Writing Competition invites students in Years 5-12 to create original works in response to year-level prompts. The competition encourages students to move beyond classroom assessment, take creative risks and share their writing with a wider audience.
From Ideas to Expression
A Competition for Every Writer
The competition is divided into year-level categories, with prompts and word limits designed to provide an appropriate challenge for students. Younger writers are encouraged to build engaging characters, settings and narratives, while senior students are challenged to demonstrate greater control of structure, language, voice and thematic depth.
Entries are read and assessed by external judges with experience across writing, publishing, education, law, media and the arts. Judges consider the effectiveness of each student’s ideas, structure, language and response to the prompt, bringing professional perspectives to the assessment process.
The Maggie Shaw Creative Writing Competition offered a unique out-of-class experience to help improve my writing skills. It encouraged me to think deeply, write with imagination, and speak with conviction. What a wonderful way to honour Mrs Shaw's legacy.
Celebrating Student Voice
Recognition and Celebration
Finalists and award recipients are formally recognised by the College, with selected works celebrated through presentations, publications and community events. The competition provides a platform for student writing to be shared with families, staff, fellow students and members of the wider literary community.
Recognition extends beyond the final result. Completing and submitting an original piece requires imagination, persistence and vulnerability, and every entrant contributes to a culture in which creativity and student voice are valued.
It is amazing what you can create when you put your mind to something. I know it might sound a bit cliché, but Nudgee truly allows you to try new things, which I have certainly experienced by trying something new and entering into this competition.
