Girton 2013/14 Humanities Writing Competition open for entries.

Now in its third year, the competition challenges students in Year 12 (or equivalent) to write a creative piece inspired by one of six objects from the Lawrence Room, Girton College’s small antiquities museum.

The Lawrence Room contains Anglo-Saxon finds from the College grounds, Egyptian material including the rare portrait mummy 'Hermione', and Mediterranean material from the Classical and pre-Classical worlds.

The objects in this year’s competition include a gaming piece from ancient Egypt, a Roman lion head, and a horse and rider from Tang China.

Provided that they are written, entries can take any creative form. Essays, dramatic monologues, and short stories would all be welcomed by the College.

''In this competition, as at university, we're encouraging students to be both critical and creative," commented  Helen van Noorden, Director of Studies in Classics at Girton College and one of the competition organisers.

“The unusual format is aimed at sixth-formers who enjoy making connections and are keen to embark on independent writing and research.

“We are genuinely open to any subject and any angle,' Helen added.

The winning entrant will receive £300 and the opportunity to visit Girton, including the Lawrence Room collection.

For more information, visit:

http://www.girton.cam.ac.uk/undergraduates/for-schools/humanities-writing-competition

Competition Rules

• The word limit is 1800 words (though creative writing in particular may be shorter). Include a word count, and a list of references if applicable.

• There is a limit of 3 entries per school.

• Submissions must relate to one or more of the Lawrence Room objects.

• Submissions should be typed in English in a standard font, lines 1.5 spaced, and every page should be marked with the entrant's name.

• Submissions are to be posted to: Schools Liaison Assistant, Girton College, Cambridge, CB3 0JG with a completed cover sheet. Teachers must sign the cover sheet to certify that the submission is the entrant's own work and does not replicate anything submitted for examination.