Terracotta warrior competition for schools

Competition results

Many thanks for your entries for our First Emperor competition. We really enjoyed looking at all those sent in. Winners and runners-up are shown below.

Age 5-11

Junior children were asked to send in their drawings of a terracotta warrior – escaped from the Museum and in an unusual place in the UK.

WINNER

Terracotta Warrior as Angel of the North

George Thurgood, Age 8
Mersea Island School, Colchester

'When I went to see the Angel of the North, it was amazing. Its big wings are orange and so is the rest of the body. Its wings are taller than trees. It’s surrounded by trees. The trees are small compared with the Angel of the North. The Terracotta Warrior went to see how tall he was against it. He wasn’t as tall as the Angel of the North. He wanted to see our modern day statues.'

George gets a ‘Pocket Timeline of China’ book and a First Emperor goody bag for his unusual and creative idea.

RUNNERS-UP

Terracotta Warrior and Stork on the Thames

Sophie Chua, Age 9
Guildford High School

I chose to put my terracotta figure in the River Thames because people who own boats ride them in the Thames and I thought that the bird would like to be somewhere near lots of water. People also fish in the river and walk. I also added a fish in its mouth. I chose this particular figure because it is different from the other human figures. It is practically English. If you have ever been by the river and if you are lucky you would have seen a bird like this.

Terracotta Warrior in the Savernake Forest

Olivia Crawford, Age 9
Preshute Primary School

I will be placing my terracotta warrior in the Savanoc forest on the oldest tree there. I hope he will protect it for all his life, I am going to make him the Tree Guardian. I choose this place because it's special to me and I always remember hugging it when I was younger. When my Nan comes down we almost go to the Savanoc every time.

Sophie and Olivia both get First Emperor goody bags for their interesting ideas.

Age 11-16

This age group imagined they were the archaeologist who had opened the tomb for the first time..

WINNER

Stephanie Kosky
Year 7, St Helen’s School, Northwood

Should I turn back now?
No, I was too far in, I had to carry on.
‘Why are you so afraid?’ I had asked myself.
‘Why are you being such a coward?
You are about to show the world, something that has
never been opened before!
Oh, it was a thrilling feeling, knowing that
I could be a true patriot to Chinese history,
Yet still, almost as terrifying to find that I
might have upset the spirit of the Emperor.

You can do it!
Just turn the golden handle and pull!
A little closer, pull harder…
I had done it. The door to the tomb was open.
Right before my eyes, were a hundred golden
pots, jewels, and rocks, objects beyond magnificent.
It was strange. I was strange.
I had a sudden urge to move forward, to touch
them, to feel their smooth look.
I walked, I was trapped.

I had felt a thin rope by my foot, the rope I had trodden on.
It had caught me.
Ten rapid ropes had clutched my torso and feet
and held me tight in it’s grasp.

A trap. A trap to prevent grave robbers from
stealing the wondrous treasures that obviously lay ahead.
I panicked. What could I do?
I grabbed the knife from my bag and tore
through the ropes.
I would stay more alert for these cunning and sly tricks..

They had not left the tomb.
They were still there, in glistening glory.
I knew better than to touch them now, in case
of another trap.
I had looked all around me.
This was no room, it was a haven for the gods.

Black dragons painted all around the walls.
Rubies, saffires and diamonds scattered all
over the floor.
To my left, a stream of pale blue water ran
smoothly over a miniature bridge.
Herbal scents were wafting in and out through my nostrils.
Jade in each corner, ancient Chinese coins lay
in piles among tealeaves on golden stools.
And.. what was this? How could this be?
It sounded as though it were far in the
distance, an ancient Chinese folk tune playing
slowly and softly, beautiful, just beautiful..

Stephanie gets a miniature terracotta warrior and a First Emperor goody bag for her spine-tingling description of opening the tomb.

RUNNERS-UP

Matt Rodger, Age 16
Chesterfield

Quintessential ruler –
Inspiring and unifying his
Nation

Sealing his soul within a
Hallowed sarcophagus, magicians
Incanted pleas for eternal life.

Heavenly constellations; pearl-pointed and diamond-dusted...
Unparalleled opulence!
Alchemists’ potions stoppered in
Nectar glass lay
Guarded by his warriors,
Defending...prepared to
Invoke the Death curse.

Edward Ashcroft
Year 7, Oxford

247BC

A new leader of Qin,
Next in a long line.
Ideas for a new China blossoming,
Just as destiny prophesized
Bishop to F1

221BC

Armies greater than China have ever seen,
Gathered from all of Qin
Lead by one man’s dreams,and The power of destiny
Knight to G2

210BC

The great Qin believed that he was the Master.
But even the Master of the Universe must die.
Although he searched for immortality.
Death prevailed, as all humans must be taken.
Check

209BC

Rows of individual statues,
Silent and waiting.
Only themselves and worms among the earth for company.
Guarding one of China’s greatest influences.
Mate.

Mark and Edward both get First Emperor goody bags for their original and clever ideas.