After School Clubs at OVS
A broad education is so important in preparatory and primary education. Children need to explore many paths to discover the things that capture their imagination and inspire them to be the best version of themselves. After school and extra curricular clubs can offer the opportunity to ‘have a go’ and try something new, or build upon an emerging talent. One popular after school club is ‘Young Authors & Illustrators’.
As part of the club programme children were encouraged to enter the Independent School Association (ISA) Story Writing Competition 2026. The children wrote and developed their stories in an after school club over a term. Old Vicarage School won in four categories this year and we are so pleased for the children who submitted entries and won their categories.
The Winners:
Darkio and Pencilette
Words: 250
Once, there were two pencil families who hated each other because they were different. One family was dark and the other was light. Within those two families were two pencils, Darkio and Pencilette.
“You should NEVER mix your colours,” said their families.
One day, the two pencils accidentally bumped into each other. Their families’ beliefs told them that the other pencil was bad, but they soon discovered that they could be friends. They had many things in common. They excitedly told their families.
“Guess what?!” exclaimed Pencilette.
“I need to tell you something,” explained Darkio.
“I found a new friend from the other side!” they both said.
“You can’t see someone on the other side!” shouted their families “and that is that!”
Both pencils were frustrated that their families wouldn’t let them see each other, but they predicted that their families wouldn’t allow it. So, they had arranged to meet in secret.
Darkio and Pencilette met and began to draw. Together they created a masterpiece!
People began to gather around the artwork. They had never seen two pencils from different sides make one picture. The two pencils families appeared. Darkio and Pencilette were worried, but they needn’t have been. Their parents realised that the two brave pencils were right all along.
“What a spectacular sight!” the families said. “We’re sorry we stopped you from being friend’s because you were different. You’ve shown us that being different is beautiful”
From that day all the colours drew incredible art together in harmony.