{"id":146241,"date":"2026-02-10T12:44:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T12:44:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reaseheath.ac.uk\/?p=146241"},"modified":"2026-02-10T13:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T13:04:22","slug":"gcse-english-student-wins-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reaseheath.ac.uk\/gcse-english-student-wins-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"Reaseheath learner wins English GCSE creative writing competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

A Reaseheath College and University Centre student is being celebrated after winning the college\u2019s English GCSE Creative Writing Competition, impressing judges with a tense, well-crafted short story written as part of an optional enrichment programme.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Rhiannon Washbourne celebrating her win in the Reaseheath English GCSE Creative Writing Competition.<\/p><\/div>\n

Rhiannon Washbourne, who is studying Animal Management, was awarded first place for her Christmas-themed entry, which stood out for its strong use of language, dialogue and structure.<\/p>\n

The competition was open to learners studying GCSE English across the College and was designed to encourage confidence and creativity in writing, particularly for those who don\u2019t naturally see themselves as creative writers.<\/p>\n

Dr Neil Cliff, Lecturer and Course Manager for English at Reaseheath College, said Rhiannon\u2019s work immediately stood out.<\/p>\n

\u201cRhiannon\u2019s story was very strong, with tension building throughout and a clear sense of purpose,\u201d he said. \u201cThe use of dialogue, sophisticated language features and excellent punctuation made it one of the best pieces we saw this year. Ending the story on a cliffhanger really confirmed it as a winning entry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although creative writing was not something Rhiannon previously felt confident with, she said winning the competition came as a surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t really expect to win,\u201d she said. \u201cCreative writing isn\u2019t something I usually feel confident with, but it\u2019s made me think that maybe I can<\/em> do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The competition is closely linked to the college\u2019s weekly online creative writing sessions, which take place every Wednesday evening and are open to all GCSE English learners. The informal sessions focus on developing ideas, improving exam technique and building confidence around the creative writing element of the exam, which accounts for 25 per cent of the overall GCSE English Language grade.<\/p>\n

The sessions are optional and designed to feel relaxed and supportive, helping learners engage with English in a way that works for them. Many students who attend regularly see improvements in both confidence and exam performance.<\/p>\n

Dr Cliff added: \u201cSeeing learners grow in confidence, take a risk and give it a go is what this is all about. Rhiannon\u2019s success shows what can happen when students believe they might<\/em> be able to do it and try.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Reaseheath College and University Centre student is being celebrated after winning the college\u2019s English GCSE Creative Writing Competition, impressing judges with a tense, well-crafted short story written as part of an optional enrichment programme.
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