Information for Parents

Information about the Competition

In order to gather as much information as possible for this study the University of Oxford is running a writing competition for all pupils in Years 7-11 at schools in Oxfordshire.

Children are asked to submit a brief piece of writing, no longer than 50 words, starting “Research is …”. They can submit any type of writing – mini-essay, micro-story, news article, poem, etc – as long as it is all their own work.

All competition entries are submitted via an online form: www.ox.ac.uk/50words

Everyone who enters the competition is also a participant in the research study, which has received ethics clearance through the University of Oxford’s approval process (reference number R50481/RE001). Before children under 18 years old can take part in any research run by the University, permission must be given by their parent or legal guardian.

If you as parents/guardians are happy for your child to take part, you will be required to approve your child’s entry via a drop-down selector on the online form. You will need to provide your name and email address, as proof of consent for your child to participate.

There will be one winner per year group from across Oxfordshire, each receiving a £50 voucher, which parents/guardians will receive (via post or email, depending on the voucher chosen) on behalf of their child. All entrants will be invited, along with representatives of the School and their family, to a Grand Prize Giving Ceremony at the University. The winners will be announced at the ceremony. Those winners not able to attend the ceremony will be contacted via the parent/guardian email address you have provided.

For further information about the competition, please see our Terms & Conditions or email [email protected].

Further information about the study.