Year 8 Creative Writing

This term, our Year 8 English students explored the imaginative world of Shaun Tan's Tales from the Inner City. Inspired by Tan's evocative artwork and distinctive storytelling style, students crafted their own original micro-stories, using vivid imagery, symbolism and creative thinking to bring each artwork to life. We are delighted to share a small selection of their imaginative and thought-provoking pieces below:

Sylvie A: The Owl

Falling asleep besides their dying loved ones in their hospital cots, our visitors often awoke under the gaze of a snowy owl. The owl's beady eyes would sink into theirs; like teeth sinking into flesh, and together they would wait for their loved ones. They would wait for as long as it took. 

Rowland B: The Tiger

The tiger watches, admires, observes. Hoping one day to dance that beautifully to a crowd. But for now it's stuck jumping through flaming rings.

Charlotte R: The Dog

Separation. Man and animal. Lonely. Drifted away. When will it end? When will it end! Withering away with every passing minute. Freedom just beyond reach, when will it end? When will it end…

Dominic T: The Cat

We brave the storm together, you and I. Your grey fur presses against me, your soft whiskers warming my freezing skin. At first, the waves lapped calmly at our feet. Now, they rise 10 feet tall, engulfing the horizon, threatening to swallow us whole. Through it all, you stayed with me. We make it to the hope-soaked sand and I admire the quiet ocean. I turn towards you, but you’re already gone. I miss your grey fur and soft whiskers, your pink ears and innocent, green slit-eyes.