The Spook House- By Lucy Bird

As I trudge towards the rusted iron gates, a dull light in the house flicked on. It casts a shadowy, gloomy glow across the garden. The leafless trees whisper and rustle in the light breeze. A giant furry spider scuttles across the cracked, stone path. The reflection of the white, shiny full moon sits on the roof of the house. Silhouettes of bats make shadows on the ground as they pass in front of the moon. The night was crystal clear when I left my house, but now the sky was began to fog up. The air around me is collecting the mist feeding off the moon.

Suddenly, I hear a loud, wretched SCREECH from behind me. I spin around to see and hear the gate swinging back and forth slowly in the light breeze, scraping the ground. The air smells musty and old. My nostrils recoil as I get nearer to the house. I admit that I was frightened.
I'm normally not one to be scared, but this house could make anyone jump out of their skin! The sky is brewing up a storm, grey clouds cover up the moon and a breeze sweeps by and ruffles my shirt. I reach the door. Just walking up the path seemed like an eternity. I rap, a short, shaky knock at the door. It creepily swings open by itself. I step inside...

The House-By: Oscar

The light seemed to fade as if it were scared of the house that stood before me. Its towering profile watched me like a prison guard poised to strike, yet as patient as a brick. The ominous green light shone from the window like an illuminated eye forever searching for a the next victim.

The Haunted House-By Claudia

Claudia
Monday 26th July

I stumbled up to the gates of the old house , my heart pumping wildly. A thin mist hung around my legs. The gargoyles stared down at me with their beady red eyes. . The gates swung open creaking on the hinges. A wolf howled in the distance. I continued my way up the path. The house looked cold and damp. Screech! The gates swung closed behind me. Now I had no way out. I was nearly there. Several bats circled around the top of the house where a tall tower was. Ahhh! I thought I heard some one scream,but maybe it was just my imagination. The front door swung open some was standing at the door...
The old man at the door eyed me as I stumbled up the path. Preparing to run, I picked up a pebble and held it tightly in my hands it was the only thing I had to defend myself. The old man slowly made his way down the path towards me. “Come” he whispered. I was terrified. I felt like screaming help me, but no one would hear me out here in this deserted village. I still had the pebble in my hand. I aim it at the gates and threw it. Whoosh. The pebble flew through the air and hit the gates. Slowly they opened. Wow, that was lucky. The man just stared and shook his head.

Haunted house-By Kieran

As I approach the old rusty house, the mist shimmers in the luminous old oil lamps. There are Gargoyles perched atop the crumbling brick pillars supporting the rusty iron gates, and their eyes seem to stare at me malevolently I shake myself mentally. “gargoyles don’t stare, stupid.” I murmur to myself.
“We Don’t?” squeaks a voice behind me. I spin around, tripping in my haste to find the owner of the voice. “Stupid human” comes a second, much lower voice. “of course we talk.”
I’m hearing things now, this place is really starting to creep me out.
I stumble through the graveyard, imagining the rotting corpses buried in ornate coffins beneath the damp brown soil.In the distance I hear a howl in the distance The decking creaks as I gingerly climb the stairs, expecting the rotten boards to collapse under my feet at any moment. As my hand reaches towards the door knocker I hear a cold, high cackle from the top of the house, where a lamp suddenly flickers to light. The door creaks open and a shriveled face wearing a tight, black skullcap pokes out of the doorway. “Come in, come in Mr Thompson, we’ve been expecting you.”
The old man beckons me inside, as a dark cloud of bats rise up from the apex of the musty old house, and a full moon comes into view.

The Haunted House - By Ruby

As I tramp slowly towards the damage, my heart thumping. The gargoyles staring me dead in the eye make me feel unsafe and breathless. I take one large step forward as I hear the moreporks and bats making spooky noises. As I keep on walking the moon shines down on this damp and icy cold abandoned house. I get to the old rusted misty door. As the gates shut they make a high pitch creaking noise.Then I proceed to old ancient wooden door. There is a whole heap of mist that comes towards me, suddenly the door flies open no one is there, it is pitch black and very very scary.

Trapped by Maddy

I creep through the deserted forest. My feet freeze as I look up to see the mist cover up a cold damp house that stands strong before me. I feel a certain breeze coming from nowhere. This cold breeze turned into a firm ghastly wind, blowing me over and picking me up! I am weak... I am scared out of my head. My finger tips turn into dust, my long fair hair is deeply tied round my aching arms and legs, my hair is firmly rapped round my mouth to keep me from screaming. I was lonely for years and forever trapped. All that I could move was my eyes as they glanced from side to side, watching little innocent boys and girls just like me being dragged into their sudden death.

My eye sight is the only sense I have left. I grew older and my eyes played tricks on me. I see things that give me horrible thoughts, I miss my family, I want to go home, even though I know they are well gone on this planet. My skin is gray, I can’t imagine how many decades have pasted. One fine morning the mist had disappeared and the house released my soul! I was free with the wind! I had left this world, I couldn’t believe it “FREE!!!!” I shouted to the world! I was in my happy place, fulfilled once again!

Harry Q's Scary House.

Harry’s scary house. By Harry Q

When I walked up to the house ,I had a shiver down my spine as I entered through the rusty gate, I saw grave stones and then I saw bats flying and the wind howling through the trees. The front steps were moldy and very slippery and I knocked on the door.
A mystery person opened the door and said ‘hello’ do you want a cup of tea? I was shocked to hear an ordinary person, living in such a scary house.

Fear floods through me By Flossii

As I approach the gloomy abandoned house fear floods though me and I shiver with terror. The moon makes the house glow and that makes me very uncomfortable. There is a slight breeze and the ancient rusty gates squeak in pain as i hobble in. The full moon gives enough light for me too be able to see a grave yard covered in a ghostly white blanket of mist. All my instincts are telling me to turn back and never return but i can’t. There is a light on up by the front of the house but all i can see from it is a closed glass front door as i look more closely i see a broad grim shadow a still as a statue just standing there on the opposite side of the door, my heart begins beating my chest with its powerful thump. My hands are beginning to sweat and i feel a frigid breath down my neck it sends a shiver down my spine, i swivel around. but there is nothing there the worst thing of all when i look back at the door the shadow is completely gone, vanished of the face of the earth I turn my attention to something else slightly higher up i see a roof that looks so pointy, that you could easily slice your thumb open if you were ever to go up there. This house is colossal bigger than i have ever seen, as I look to my right and i see the shadow of whooping great tree overpowering the house it creeps me out and gives me the heeby geebies and thats just the icing on the cake i turn back and bolt down the loose gravel road to safety.

The haunted house-by Harry.H

I trudged slowly along the abandoned road looking for safety. I slowly approach a hairpin corner the gravel crunched underfoot. I look around for any thing, an abandoned shed or windmill by chance but it was very hard to see through the thick ghostly fog. I was starting to get really cold and then I saw a lantern or an oil lamp in the distance I thought I must have been dreaming but no! I definitely saw a flickering light in the darkness. As I approached the lantern it became more and more clear as the moonlight shone through the fog. I saw a rusted gate hanging on some ancient pillars with creepy gargoyles on the top the sort you saw on horror movies. I was definitely not sure what do, but then the moon revealed a dodgy hunted house in the distance, what now? I thought to myself...

The house across the road-by:Abby

“Ha” “I’m going to bet you” I teased my friend he knew I was better then him at Soccer, but he didn’t show it. He tackled me smashed into me but never got the ball. When I got close to the goal I kicked it, but sadly it missed and kept on rolling down the path. It stopped at the house across the street, the one we call “The hunted house” A big tall mansion with big iron gates. Now I was scared... As I step through the rusty old gates a sting of fear hits me. The moon floats over the house like a ghost I creep along the path way, shivering as I walk. I walk Towards the ball then suddenly it roles away and through a open window. through the house, I let out a little annoyed sigh, because I have to walk further into the creepy environment. I look around me at the graveyard I can hear the skeletons breathing. I want to run to hide and never come back, but I knew I had to be brave. Step by step I climb up the stairs to the abandoned house a dark sensation floods through my body. The door lets out a horrible shreek as I slide it open. when I step into the house I’m blinded by smoke and pure blackness I can’t see a thing. I hear faded laughs in the distance of the big house, my hearts beating so fast I can’t stop it.

Verity's Story Granny's Grave.

I froze at the entrance of the abandoned house. I could feel the mist ooze round my feet as they tightened and pulled me towards my Granny’s grave. It was like I was getting sucked into a tornado. “Emma“ .I snapped round and looked at a figure poised in the door of the house. The light flickered on and off. She made me fixated on her. I blinked and she disappeared. I gradually looked up the house and noticed that the moon was making the house glow. This house was freaking me out now. My Granny’s grave was right next to the steps of the house. I tried to walk over to the grave but I was getting pulled up towards the door of the house. I tossed the now dead rose’s to the cracked grave. I was standing deathlike at the door of the house, unable to move any muscle in my body. My arm was getting forced to ring the door bell. I was trying with every possible muscle in my body to not ring that doorbell. My strength grew weak and I could no longer fight the demon inside me. I could feel fear trickle down my forehead then I began to cry. That single drop of tear plodded down onto the squeaky floorboards then my body flung backwards and a green spirit emerged out of my fear struck body and dashed into the house. I fell on the ground in shock. All of a sudden a little girl emerged out of the house and ran up to me. She leaped into my arms. That's when I realized that my daughter was still alive.

The House On The Corner-By: Jessica

Dark shadows loomed overhead, gravestones creaked in the ghastly cold wind, a loud thump came from the top story of the murky prehistoric house. The rusted gate groaned in the ice cold breeze .I became a statue, frozen with fear. I saw something move swiftly behind the cracked window, the door handle turned gradually, the smell of must filled the air, everything stopped, the door bolted open...

The Haunted House - By Mykala

As I creep up the jagged path the bats swoop past. Suddenly lights flicker but I still carry on. Gargoyles stare at me as the mist creeps up towards me. Where am I? I wonder to myself. It is as black as coal. I can’t see anything as I stand here in the cold waiting for the moon to come out from behind the clouds. I feel the damp mist clinging to me. I shiver. I take a step my foot slips out from under me. I fall against something hard.

Petrified by Grayden O'Connor

I was running to my apartment from my friends cottage at quarter to twelve at night . That's how I came across it. The mansion on the ridge was directly beside me. Mist swirled around it all. I recognized the unearthly frozen breeze glide through my clothes. I stood there... frozen with fear. The houses’ wrought iron gates suddenly creaked open. It was scary, but cool at the same time. I suddenly subconsciously trudged forward. I only had control of my head. I studied the broken landscape. Gravestones, mangled and trashed, lay mercilessly in the misty air. The hedges were all running wild and the trees cast creeping shadows over the destroyed, muddy terrain. The gerbera plants were all dark and droopingly low. The moon was somewhat larger by the house. The giant menacing full moon. But I knew the worst was still to face me. What couldn’t stay out of my freaked out mind was the luminous green glow emitting from the dreaded, green flaking mansion.
I stepped onto the veranda and the glow suddenly flared and instantly burst off. I opened the door slowly. It creaked uncontrollably. I was terrified, but still walked forward. The sinister force was still beckoning me forward. At the dusty stairs it left me there and held me. A hazy white form emerged at the head of the stairs.
I was completely petrified. I stayed in my scary nightmare for two seconds and then passed out.

The House - By Mackenzie

Prologue

As I walked up the small gravel path, I could hear the glass crunch underfoot. The door hung lazily on its rusted hinges. As i got closer to the house i was engulfed by the fog’s thick arms, as the fog cleared i could really see what had happened, glass lay on the ground shattered by the blast, shards of wood were scattered all around. I walked up the steps and peered inside.



Emotions flooded me as i remembered my old bed room, I could hardly believe what had happened. The old Grandfather clock lay across the living room floor, miraculously still ticking even though it looked as though a invisible hand, had thrown it across the room. I ventured further into the house weeds were winding all along the hall. I knew I had to get revenge. I walked slowly out of the house and headed home. `

The House - By Henry

The house stood there in the early morning light, half obscured by fog, looking lost and alone. Most of the windows were smashed in or hanging off their hinges, making an eery ‘creak ... creak’ in the slight breeze whistling through the air.

Trembling with fear, I took a few shaky steps down the rough gravel path towards the house. I knew why I had to go there but I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. I walked up the crumbling stone steps, my walking stick making a clacking noise against the ground.

I opened the rotting door, and screamed.

The Wooden House - By Tessa

As I approach the rusty gates they screeches open in front of me. I peek in and see the cracked moldy gravestones. As I step on the dark green undergrowth the mist swallows my feet and I run to the fractured wooden steps . I run toward the house. I can hear my heart beating over the sound of the wind screaming through the surrounding trees. The moon hovers over the old, unpleasant, scary place as I step on the wooden steps they feel as they moving under my feet pulling me away. I force my hand and I hold the cold door handle my hands are shaking as I open the door. Fear floods through my face.

The Old Haunted House By Finnegan

The cast iron gates swung silently open as I approached. Gravel crunched underfoot as I passed through. The long grass almost hid the weather beaten tombstones that were dotted around the vast paddock. As I drew closer to the house it cast its shadowy veil over me, shielding me from the icy glare of the full moon.

The steps were worn smooth with years of usage. The heavy oak doors were cracked with age but I could see they were still very strong. As I reached for the handle the doors creaked open revealing smothering darkness inside its gaping maw.

Evil Gargoyles By Robbie

As I walked towards the gloomy rusted gates the evil gargoyles eyes lit up blood red. They started to stretch their concrete wings and flew down to attack me. I ran towards the foggy lawn but then I realized they weren't bushes, but old forgotten gravestones. when I got to the door it open automatically so I walked inside. the mantle piece was stain with blood and a bloody human carcass lay stranded on the floor with bite holes in their neck. A familiar shadow crept up behind me and attacked me. I ran outside through the old grave yard but got trapped by the gargoyles. The vampire sliced at me with it’s blood stained claws and almost took my head off. The concrete gargoyles glided down to eat me. I couldn’t get out out of this situation.

Entering the house - by Sergio

As I strolled toward the house, the mist engulfed me, all I could hear was the slow and rhythmic creaking of the rusty gate...Slowly but surely the mist faded away, I walked inside the gates, which suddenly closed behind me. My heart racing, I slowly make my way to the door, stopping to read a grave stone R.I.P Porky the hamster “weird”, I muttered to myself.

I continued down the road, bathed in the moonlight for some seconds...The old leafless trees sway steadily with the breeze. I approached the door, my hand reaches slowly for the handle, I open the door and walk inside...I can barely see, apart from a small flickering light coming from upstairs. I gather my courage and creep towards the staircase, the wood creaking underneath my feet.

I reach the stairs, step after step, suddenly a part of the staircase breaks from underneath me to uncover a gaping black hole, “Damn!” I whisper under my breath, looking up to the light to see if whoever up there heard me, luckily, and very strangely no-one did, “maybe there’s no-one up there..” I muttered. I continue my journey to the top of the stairs, trying desperately not to make the stairs creak under my weight.

I finally make It to the top, it seems like 20 years has passed, I slowly walk into the room, and then it hits me, bamn! A tennis ball in the face, I hold my nose in pain, while I look up and see him for the first time, his hood is on, and he has no face, just a gaping hole...and the next thing I see is blackness.

The House - by Daniel

I walked slowly towards the house, apprehension in every step. The house stood in front of me, decrepit, ancient, a lonely beacon of death and decay. Illuminated by the eerie light of the moon, the deteriorating gravestones turned a deathly bone colour, casting long, misshapen shadows on the ground. The mist swirled through the leafless trees, giving a ghostly feel to the land surrounding the house.

My feet crunched on the loose gravel path. I glanced nervously at the spiny gargoyles perched atop mossy pillars of stone as they glared at me with malevolent granite eyes, watching me, waiting for me to make a wrong move. Shut up I told myself, there’s no such thing as live gargoyles. However these ones seemed real, looked real, and the way their eyes seemed to follow me... I pushed the thought away as I slipped through the half open cast-iron gates and proceeded towards the house.

I reached the crumbly stone steps. The moment I put my foot on the first step, bats erupted from nowhere, I recoiled in fright and waited until their leathery wings disappeared into the shadows of the trees. I cautiously placed my foot on the step again, expecting something to leap out at me, but all stayed silent apart for the quiet whisper of the wind. I reached the door and tapped on the rotten boards, the door swung open silently despite it’s aged appearance, and I was hit by a wave of musty air...

WATER CYCLE NARRATIVE - By Sofija

I’m glideing through the lush greenery, close to the heart of the forest where Tane Mahuta, our King and gaurdian rests. I observe the blue curtain of velvet that flows down the rocky hills, sparkling and buzzing with life. The forest of Aoetearoa has always been a place of music and life. Rich with food and cover, a place for all animals.
From my treetops I take off and fly over the stream, fluttering the tail that earns me my name ,everything seems peacefull and harmonious. But all at once a hot sensation overcomes me, and I fall from the sky to be engulfed by the jaws of my most feared predator.

Yes that was me, the eel. I have just finished the greatest journy of my life and have not eaten in days. As I gracfully slide my cunning body through the slippery rocks, I finally feel at home. I have been traveling for years, looking for a place that will shelter me untill the time come where I must bear my kin. And know when I slide under the shelter of an overlooking ridge, watching te schools of fishes glide past. I feel closer to Tangi Roa, my gaurdian and King, then I have ever been.

by Sofija

Take Action For Water Trip - Holly and Ina

Tuesday 9th brought wet weather and cloudy skies for our Take Action For Water Field Trip. It didn’t mean that Room 23 from Muritai School couldn’t go. The T.A.F.W Program was supplied by the Greater Wellington Regional Council for schools around Wellington. We were very lucky to have the opportunity to learn about our waterways and natural ecosystem.

We first arrived at the Rimutaka Forest Park in Wainuimata at about 10am. Room 23 split into 2 groups. Group Two went for a bush walk up the catchment for an informational talk, while Group One tested the stream and identifies aquatic insects. The information on the forest walk was based around the native birds of New Zealand, which we then had to identify the birds as we walked, eg: tui, fantail, grey warbler etc. We also learnt about the kawakawa plant. The leaves could be burnt for insects repellent, to settle your stomach and also used to make tea. When Group 2 arrived back at the main venue, we then rotated with the other group and went to do stream testing.

We tested the Catchpool Stream, located at the middle area of the catchment. Group 2 first tested the stream habitat, looking at the stream bed, algae, stream shade and the bank stability. This determined the habitat’s condition, which was excellent. We then examined the insects of the stream with the samples that Richard, our guide, collected earlier. We found that there were mayflies, stoneflies and cased caddisflies, which was considered excellent. One person even discovered a banded kokopu hiding under a rock. Group 2 then tested the water quality, using thermometers and clarity tubes to define the water’s clarity.

Both groups met back at the main venue for lunch. Afterwards we went back onto the bus and headed for the second stream. This stream was in Wainuimata also, called Black Creek. The standard at which the stream was, both in habitat and water quality, was very poor. We didn’t test the water, but just from a look we knew it was very polluted. There were no animals present apart from a few ducks, but guessed that the only water inhabitant would be worms and snails. There was even a broken scooter at the bottom and lots of stormwater drains and piping. Everybody was disgusted at the quality of the stream.

We headed back to school on the bus at about 1:50, and settled down in class for silent reading. Our homework that we had been given was based around the field trip. We had to draw up a healthy and dirty stream and name the key points. There was a Vienn Diagram to complete listing the differences and similarities of Rimutaka Catchpool and Black Creek. the field trip was a great experience because we got to learn a lot about the habitat of a catchment.

Report by Holly and Ina.

The Beach

Hovering over the sad lonely beach the sky drips down on sand,
To create what’ll look grand,
With seagulls flying in the high breeze,
Boats float upon high seas.
With sand dunes glaring at the skies,
While the seaweed gently dries.

Seagulls circle around me,
Like some vultures that are hungry.
As a giant hand pokes into the sea and sand,
Fishermen fish off there fingers
As their fishing lines lingers.

Staring at the skies and seas,
Brings back lots of memories,
Like playing in the sand and stones,
While a wave cries and moans.

Being miles from the nearest house,
Makes the land quieter than a mouse,
Now realizing the beaches beauty,
Makes me think of the beach truly.

By Sam Weber

The Red Tree - Ralph Morley

Inspired by the works of Shaun Tan

The Red Tree
Sometimes your words just have no meaning to others,
And at times, time seems to laugh at every slow tick it takes,
And everything around you doesn't fit,
You just feel like you are bottled up and forgotten,
And you slowly float around waiting and hoping for something to happen,
When all along happiness was right by your side, and it just needed to be found.

Hitchhiker

(Focus on character development)
“B-ring, b-ring, b-rrrrrring”. I decided to pull over as my cell phone rang fiercely. It was my brother, he’d had another accident, and I had to go to the hospital immediately. I was about to twist my key in the ignition when I heard a soft rapping on my car window. I wound it down. There was a girl with acid pink long bubblegum hair, a slim pointed face and deep blue eyes. “I hear you’re heading to the hospital” she said in a soft sugary voice. I noticed her bulging belly. She was wearing baggy army pants, and a thick fleece. She looked in her late teens, so I let her in. “nice car” she says looking around the inside of my comfy convertible. “Thanks, what are you doing on the highway?” I say.“I need to get to the hospital”, she says sadly.“So what is your name” I whisper in a curious voice. “My name is- is- Saffron Winter” she says unconvincingly.

By Sophie McElwain-Wilson

The House

(focus on developing plot creating tension and building up interest)


The peeling paint on the gate scratches my hands as I push it open. The house looks like one big mound of bad luck, about to fall down into its own foundations. By this time I’ve reached the door. I reach my hand out to knock but pull it back as if the house is a vicious animal that hasn’t been fed in a long time. I have a second attempt to knock but after waiting 40 seconds I try the door knob. To my surprise the door swings open and throws me on the carpet. It slams shut, I go to check but all I can hear is the eerie sound of an organ playing. So quiet it could be in my mind.


By Billie Bishop-Ash

Steam punk town

Steam Punk Town - Axel (focus on Setting)

Everything was a blur. Where am I? and why was I here?
As everything slowly came to me I saw a dim foggy light. It was the only thing that made it possible for me to see, I nearly choked when I took a breath of the dirty industrial air. I walked over to a tube marked with pollution. It was labelled “C the world” in large letters, there was a small capsule inside. I decided to get in it, it jerked me forward and I slowly sped through the tube, the brown misted air seemed to stare at me, the only sign of colour was a small glint from the small mossy tiles that lined the street, I couldn’t take it any more I pushed a button and I sped to the end of the tube I had to get out of this place. I ran to a sky dock and grabbed the first Zoom I could find. It made me speed out of Steam Punk I felt so relived I was out of that disgusting place which might have been mans worst mistake.

Axel co. products

The House -

By Rhy - (focus on developing plot creating tension and building up interest)

I walked through the dense bush, pushing small rotting trees out of my way. “Are we there yet?” Tim asked
“I don’t know” I replied, and then suddenly the bush track gave way. We slid down the hill stones and leaves rolling down under us. I stood up and right in front of us was an old rickety house it looked like it had been standing for a thousand years. “Shall we go inside?” asked Tim
“Ya” I answered. As we slowly walked over to the destroyed door, I tapped it, and then it slowly creaked open. As we took a step inside, the damp air was cold on my skin and the paint on the wall was rotting away. Under my feet was a puddle of murky slime. We walked up to the stairs to the sound of a thousand screams in my head all at one time. “GO AWAY!” I screamed
“Why?” Tim replied.
“The screams” I answered.
“What screams?” Tim asked again.
“Nothing, nothing” I said. We continued up the stairs. I blinked and saw shadows all around me. The peaceful sound of a clock ticked away tick, tock, tick, tock. I followed the sound of the clock, a rotting wooden door stood between me and some thing terrible. I pushed the door it didn’t move so I pushed harder it bust open I fell to the floor and looked up to see blood all up the walls and bodies of tortured souls the clock had stopped ticking Tim was gone and the shadows were coming.

By Rhys Feeney.

SteamPunk Town - By Hugh

Focus on Setting / orientation

I feel comforted as I come through the hazy clouds, as smoke pumps out of my flying machine. The wind blows forcing dark smoke into my bare face. Distracting me from the spectacular views. I come slowly gliding down to Steampunk, on my search of a strong standing town. The gleam of the lighthouse reflecting off the water making me want to swim, but I know that that’s not what I came for.

Even as I know that the town is as gloomy as a dark bedroom on a lonesome winter’s night, I feel a sense of warmth.

The deathly smog coming through the yellow sky is making me fan the grotty air in front of me, just for a breath of fresh air. But I’ve seen worse where life has choked on thin air.

Hugh.C

SteamPunk

Steampunk Story - By Rosie
Focus on Setting / orientation

The swirling mist tickled my nose as I slowly drifted to the ground, my rickety old hot air balloon just coping with my weight. The last time I had visited Steampunk was over 50 years ago, now my hands and face were as wrinkly as an over ripe tomato.


My package thumped like a drum in my chilled hands, as I slowly walked down the moss covered cobblestone steps. I immediately noticed the city leisurely waking up, as if I had broken an endless curse. Without delay I set off towards the old and weary pencil factory. The steam from the chimneys puffed out as if being smoked from an old pipe. I remembered playing on the old pier which now sat motionless on the mirror like harbour. The only ripples were being made by an old steam boat, puffing and gliding towards the old and bleak lighthouse.


I lightly laid my package on the front step of the factory, its walls now covered with mould and rotting wood. A small shiver ran up and down my spine, as I remembered what the once beautiful Steampunk used to look like. The rich colours of the cool blue of the ocean and rainbow tinted sky had now been taken over by the smoke and smog of the run down, and exhausted industrial buildings.


A silent tear fell from my bewildered eye, as walked back to my ancient balloon. Gliding into the clouds I longed for the old Steampunk to return, to my old and favourite town.







By Rosie Reid

The Deadly House

By Daranee
(focus on developing plot creating tension and building up interest)

I stood on the sharp gravel path leading up to the house. The rusted, once grand, gate swing airily behind me. My head is trying to steer me away. I felt as though I was meant to come to this house.
The garden was seriously overgrown, stacked to the brim with dead wrangly flowers. I fragilely amble up to the French windows and peer inside. I get a strange chilling feeling as I gaze inside the crude lifeless room. I make my way over towards the dark dingy doorway. The door handle is in the shape of an eye. It is cool and damp as I place my hand on it. Before I make my way inside I take another glance around the garden that looks like a barren wasteland off the Lion King. I turn the handle and scamper inside. The wallpaper is cracked and falling to pieces off the walls. The stairs going up to the next level look as though they will crumble any second, yet I still retreat up the stairs. As they creak they send echoes howling through my ears and around the house.

By Daranee Bolger

Hitchhiker

Daes - By Samantha Gorham
(Focus on character)

My car cruises smoothly across the long and old road. Mailboxes and driveways rush past. I begin to see a dot of a person in the distance. The hitchhiker has a look in her husky eyes that says ‘Another car speeding past’, so I stop. “Thanks for stopping,” her clear voice has hardly any accent. “Are you going to Ratahi, mate?” the words seem to darken, like she didn’t want anyone to hear them, but me. “Sure,” I reply as I study her. The beanie she is wearing has a worn and dusty look to it, as so did her grey hoodie; and the jeans had seen better days. I slyly notice a dark cord wrapped around her neck, like a snake constricting its victim. “Name?” she asked
“Uh, personal,”
“Fine. Same here,”
I sighed inwardly. “It’s Kane,”
“Cool. I’m Daes,”

By Sam. G

THE HAUNTED HOUSE

By Luke - (focus on developing plot creating, tension and building up interest)

I limp through the over grown grass, the moss which is taking over the old forgotten path slimes through my toes. The cracked yellow cobbles cut my feet. The ghost like stone cold door handle sends a freakish shiver down my now spiky haired back. I hear a horrid creak, the chipped door that is hanging on one hinge opens. I hear a scream and turn to run but I get sucked into a lifeless room



BY LUKE SEARLE

Stranger on the Loose - Character by Andre Chumko

My rusty Suzuki was vibrating calmly, almost purring, as I see a Hitchhiker thumbing for travel. I pulled my car up, almost 3 millimetres away from him. He didn’t even flinch. He knocked fiercely on the smoggy window-pane and blurted out these words in a frustrated manor: “Can I get in already”? In a shallow, low-pitched tone of voice coming from hairy lips that were dry, and the surrounding face, badly shaven. He was wearing black, shiny sunglasses, a beanie that was a musty grey colour, very tattered and bold. A black woollen sweater, with patchwork on the left hand side of his pocket, almost right by his leather gloves, which looked expensive. I quickly analysed him without being suspicious and muttered back to him with a daft expression: “Sure mate”. His belt was a crackling black shade that squeaked whenever he moved. It had a polished silver ring in the middle of it. And he scrambled hastily into my vehicle, as if he were startled by something. I felt like exploding! His deodorant smell was hideous! I wanted to have an argument with him right now. But I couldn’t. I was too afraid. He looked like he had some sort of weapon, and he could strike me at any time.

Andre Chumko