Essay Prizes
Our Upper Sixth students have been commended in a number of prestigious essay competitions this term.
Continuing South Hampstead’s strong track record in the John Locke Institute’s global essay prize, a number of students have been commended in this year’s competition. Eléa, who is currently studying Classical Civilisation, English and Philosophy & Religion, and plans to study Theology & Philosophy next year, was awarded a merit in response to the title: Is it reasonable to thank God for protection from some natural harm if He is responsible for causing the harm? Ellie was a finalist in the Philosophy category with her response to the question Should I be held responsible for what I believe? Ellie is taking A Levels in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Philosophy & Religion, and hopes to study PPE next year. Jen was awarded a merit for her History essay exploring why civilisations collapse and whether our civilisation is in danger; Jen has applied to study Archaeology at university next year and is taking A Levels in Classical Civilisation, English and Spanish. Sophia, who is studying Chemistry, Economics, Maths and Further Maths, was awarded a merit for her essay exploring the optimal global population; she plans to study Economics & Maths next year.
Another Sophia was runner-up in this year’s Oxford Scientist Schools Competition on the theme of evolution; her essay focused on iron’s role as an evolutionary stressor, in particular its link to the evolution of bacteria. Currently studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics, she plans to take a gap year before studying Chemistry at university. Meanwhile, Lara was awarded a summer school scholarship for her entry to the Immerse Education competition, which explored the extent to which the mammalian neocortex and the avian pallium can be considered a product of convergent evolution. Lara plans to study Biological Sciences at university before specialising in ornithology.
In the Northeastern University London Essay Competition Awards, Zara was highly commended as a top 10 finalist for her essay in response to the title Is it fair to say that literature is another name for language with no practical use? She explored the functionality versus the aesthetics of literature, particularly in oral traditions, looking at texts including Beowulf and Homer. Zara, who is studying English Literature, History and Psychology, hopes to study English at university next year.
Congratulations to all our students on their success.