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Educational Writers Group

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On joining the Society, educational writers automatically become members of the EWG. They are sent a copy of the Educational Writing and Publishing Guidelines, and thereafter receive all EWG mailings.

Nationally the group operates primarily through three or four well-posted annual meetings. Two of these, the AGM (autumn) and the Summer Seminar, feature guest speakers from the worlds of publishing, education and the media whose short papers on topics of current interest form the basis for further discussion.

The other two regular events are a forum, in January, where members can meet informally to discuss matters of common interest, and a party, at which educational writers and their friends, colleagues and guests meet in a convivial atmosphere to swap stories, make contacts and generally enjoy themselves in pleasant company.

The EWG is run by an elected committee and a professional secretary from the Society. The committee welcomes feedback from members on professional issues and sees that relevant information is passed on to other members of the Group. The committee also welcomes members’ comments and feedback about EWG events, or suggestions of topics for future meetings.

ALCS Award for Educational Writing - £2,000

For a second year in 2009, the Society of Authors is administering the Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society Award for Educational Writing.  

The Award

The award will be given to an outstanding example of traditionally published non-fiction (with or without illustrations) that enhances teaching and learning.  

The idea is to celebrate books that encourage students to read widely and build up an understanding of the subject, rather than only mirroring examination specifications.

The award this year will be for books published during 2007 and 2008 for the 5-11 age group. 

The Judges

The judges for the 2009 Award are Ali Barne, a former primary teacher, currently primary language coach, helping to develop Modern Foreign languages teaching in four primary schools in Oxfordshire, Pamela Girdwood, the librarian at Bluegatefields Junior in Tower Hamlets and literacy specialist, writer, broadcaster and educational consultant , Sue Palmer.

The annual submissions deadline

  • 1st June

The 2008 Winner

The winner of the 2008 Educational Writers' Award was Ian Gilbert for The Little Book of Thunks: 260 Questions to Make your Brain Go Ouch! (Crown House Publishing).

Gilbert received his cheque for £2,000 from Dr Ian Gibson MP at a reception at the Stationers' Hall, London. This year's award was presented for non-fiction published in 2006 and 2007 that enhanced teaching and learning for 12 to 18 year-olds.

The judges described Gilbert's book as "a completely original book to get all ages stretching their imaginations, thinking, discussing cogently and debating… a valuable tool for the teacher”.

The three other shortlisted titles were:

  • Simon Basher & Adrian Dingle for The Periodic Table – Elements with Style! (Kingfisher)
  • Tish Farrell for Write Your Own Adventure Stories (Ticktock Media)
  • Glenn Murphy for Why Is Snot Green? (Macmillan)

The judges also commended Meg Harper's Wha'ever published by The Spinal Injuries Association.

The judging panel consisted of author Mel Thompson, teacher Vanessa Carey and school librarian Laura Taylor.