Topic - Talks and Lectures, Exhibitions and Performances, Open Events, Schools and Colleges
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual writing competition for young people in the UK. We're excited to welcome The Orwell Foundation back to the University of Sunderland for the 2025 event.
"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."
The Orwell Youth Prize is an annual writing competition for young people in the UK. Every year, we set a theme inspired by the writing of the author and journalist, George Orwell, asking entrants to think about the world around them and issues which matter today. This year, the theme is ‘Freedom is...’ and the event will set students up to write a strong entry for the 2025 competition, as well as provide context for their studies at GCSE and A Level.
During the event, students will take part in workshops designed to broaden ideas around this year's theme and expand their skills in their chosen subject area; Journalism, Film and Media, English, or Game Design. Students will engage in workshops and Q&As with influential people, designed to provide context into Orwell’s writing and ideals, which will not only help with submissions for the Orwell Foundation Youth Prize but also Level 3 studies.
The Orwell Foundation Youth Prize Launches in 2023 and 2024 saw students from the north-east region engaging in the subject sessions, and many who attended went on to apply for the Youth Prize. One student who attended the day in 2023 was shortlisted for the Youth Prize and was invited to the official prizegiving in London. We're excited to welcome The Orwell Foundation back to the University of Sunderland for the 2025 Youth Prize event.
Richard Blair, son of George Orwell, and Quentin Kopp, Chair of the Orwell Society will be in attendance.
On booking, school groups and individuals will need to confirm which session they would like to attend on the day:
- English
- Scriptwriting
- Journalism
- Game Design
Each session has a capacity and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
If you have any questions, please contact student.recruitment@sunderland.ac.uk.