How we look after learners’ writing

The journal wants to hear from learners. Nobody can tell what it’s like to be in Grade 10 better than someone who is. But a learner under 18 is a child, and their writing is theirs. These are our promises to their families.

We ask you first. We only publish a learner’s piece with the written consent of their parent or guardian, and with the learner’s own agreement.

You choose the name. You decide how your child’s name appears: first name and grade, initials, a pen name, or their full name. Their school is named only if you want it to be.

No photos of your child. We don’t publish photos in which a learner can be recognised. A picture of their work, such as a drawing or a project, appears only if you agree.

You see it before anyone else. We edit only for length, spelling and clarity. You and your child see the final version, and nothing is published until you’ve both approved it.

You can change your mind. Before publication, you can withdraw at any time, for any reason.

It stays where you agreed. We won’t use your child’s piece or name anywhere else, such as social media or advertising, without asking you again.

Your details stay private. Your consent form and contact details are kept privately by the journal’s editor, and never published.

If your child would like to write for the journal, the back page of this issue says how to get in touch.