This is an annual competition that runs in the second half of the summer term. It involves all students choosing one essay from a list of 10 subject-related titles. Having chosen a title you will independently research and write a 2,000-3,000 word structured essay according to the rules of the competition. To be submitted by a date, which generally gives you just over a month to complete this task.
In case you think this deadline is tight, one of my reasons for introducing this competition seven years ago was to give all students a foretaste of what will be a regular part of your undergraduate experience in the now not distant future. My other reason for making this compulsory is that it will enable you to plan, research and write-up a protracted and focused piece of work, which is something most exam boards currently do not really require of of you at A level (which beggars belief!) but universities will (regardless of your degree choices). Participation in this competition will also be a useful piece of supporting information for your UCAS personal statements.
All essays will be evaluated generically and a shortlist of finalists will be sent to an external Professor of Politics who will select the winner. The prize for winning this competition is £50, to be presented by either our Headmaster or Headmistress in the autumn term.
Finally, please note that this essay is compulsory regardless of your A2 options!