Fantastic writing from Swot Shop Galileo competition winners

Writing also features in our flagship Galileo program where bright students enjoy tactile learning experiences incorporating Maths, Science and English in a fun and engaging environment that stimulates their higher level of thinking and problem-solving skills.

Each year, Galileo students showcase their talents in a writing competition with their Swot Shop peers in the same school year.

The works are often highly entertaining and display the wonderful skills of the many young, bright students we are fortunate to have as part of our programs at The Swot Shop.

Here we publish two of the winners from 2024:

Winner for Year 2 – Anika Chakravarthy

What if tomorrow was declared National Backwards Day? Describe how you would observe this special day from morning until night.

Ding Dong – Ding Dong – Ding Do –
“What is going ON?” I yelled.
I had never heard those bells before.
“Is that you, sweet heart? Oh, yes it is.
“Well, goodnight! What would you like for dinner?” I was completely baffled, but suddenly I understood.
“The report on the news – National Backward Day!
“That is wrong” declared Mum.
“Now tell me, what DO you want for dinner?”
The day passed like a floating cloud in the clear blue sky. We had ‘dinner’ and set off to the lake.
The gleaming sun shone high in the sky and jet-black swans were devouring fresh bread. We sat down for lunch, starting with dessert going over to the mains, and finishing with starters. So far, so good.
Clang! Clatter! Clang!
“Where are the eggs?”
We were back and it was absolute chaos. It was a wonder Mum wasn’t hysteric. Pans and pots were scattered on a somehow spotless floor. I don’t know HOW I got the so called ‘breakfast.’
“Sigh”. It was bedtime and I was exhausted. As a result, I was fast asleep in no time, dreaming of egg-made swans eating clocks and live clocks dancing. They were joyful and contented. Just like me.

Winner for Year 3 – Aadya Mehra

What would happen if you woke up one morning to find yourself completely invisible?

DING! DING! DING! I slap my alarm in frustration! I moan and slowly get out of my bed. I quickly change into my clothes, trying not to be late again!
It’s only when look in the mirror and it looks like clothes floating! I blink my eyes in disbelief. Could this really be happening? I’m invisible I mutter to myself, wait what? I’m invisible!

I rush downstairs to tell my mum. Before I can say anything, she shrieks and runs around our house. Same with my dad, my brother, my friends. I feel like a monster everybody creeped out because all they can see is clothes floating. When its really me.

I collapse onto the school the rusty old school benches. I let a sigh of anger. I feel isolated.

I try making the most of being invisible by playing hide and seek. And sneaking up on people but it’s no use.

Suddenly an idea pops into my head like popcorn. I rush back home and cover my body in clothes. I draw a face on a ski mask. I tell my mum I’m just cold and believes me. I get some weird looks by people, but I don’t even care.

I’m just so happy to be back. I may look weird but who cares. I like myself just the way I am. I don’t even know how I got invisible. Who knows, it’s all a mystery.