Reuben (Year 9) Editor's note: Now in Year 10, Reuben carefully researched and wrote this interesting essay on the role that physical geography plays in shaping the economy. Geography, including natural resources and access to water, plays a crucial role in shaping a country's economic growth and output by influencing its ability to export and … Continue reading Which aspects of physical geography have the strongest effects on the economic growth and/or output of a country?
Author: thegsaljournal
HS2: the way forward?
Rehan (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 13 student Rehan wrote this insightful essay during his time in Year 12. Post-pandemic demand for rail travel in Great Britain has surged, increasing passenger journeys and emissions, highlighting the need for modern rail infrastructure. The HS2 project was initially designed to enhance rail capacity, reduce congestion, and stimulate … Continue reading HS2: the way forward?
From coast to cavity: mapping disparities in dental health
Diya (Year 12) Editor's note: Diya, now in Year 13, wrote this informative essay during the course of Year 12. Dental health disparities in the UK are influenced by socioeconomic and geographical factors, affecting individuals’ well-being and access to care. The essay explores causes of these disparities and proposes strategies to improve equitable dental health … Continue reading From coast to cavity: mapping disparities in dental health
Were Jews welcomed to Britain during the Nazi period?
Lokesh (Year 9) Editor's note: Now in Year 10, talented student Lokesh carefully researched this topic and then wrote this insightful essay for the Sir Martin Gilbert History Prize. This essay explores Britain’s response to Jewish refugees during the Nazi period, analyzing various perspectives and sources to assess whether Britain was truly welcoming or reluctant. … Continue reading Were Jews welcomed to Britain during the Nazi period?
Dr. George Carruthers: Pioneer in Ultraviolet Astronomy
Rucha (Year 8) Editor's note: Now in Year 9, Rucha wrote this carefully researched and well-written essay whilst still only in Year 8. Dr. George Robert Carruthers was a pioneering African American astrophysicist and inventor whose work in ultraviolet astronomy significantly advanced our understanding of space and Earth’s atmosphere. His innovations, including the first Moon-based … Continue reading Dr. George Carruthers: Pioneer in Ultraviolet Astronomy
How does antimicrobial resistance affect healthcare and modern medicine?
Nikki (Year 11) Editor's note: Year 12 student Nikki wrote this fascinating article whilst still in Year 11. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, making infections harder or impossible to treat and posing a serious threat to global health systems. It burdens healthcare with prolonged hospital stays, increased costs, and higher … Continue reading How does antimicrobial resistance affect healthcare and modern medicine?
Does expanding the gig economy contribute positively to sustainable economic growth?
Nayonika (Year 12) Editor's note: Nayonika, now in Year 13, wrote this thought-provoking essay and submitted it to the annual Northeastern University London Essay Competition. CPD The “gig economy” refers to the idea of firms hiring freelancers and temporary workers rather than permanent employees. The gig economy currently is expanding at an exponential rate revolutionising … Continue reading Does expanding the gig economy contribute positively to sustainable economic growth?
Mirror Poem: Reflections
Akshay (Year 11) Editor's note: Akshay, now in Year 12, wrote this excellent short poem as part of their work towards their GCSE in English Literature. CPD Reflections 1 Its eyes glower with hollow hostility. Emotion has no refuge in its glare. Its demeanour carries no care, Nor do its words bear sympathy. The withdrawn … Continue reading Mirror Poem: Reflections
Inherent Sexism in the English Language
Eve (Year 12) Editor's note: Eve wrote this fascinating and well-written article during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. This essay, written for the spoken mode, was entered into the annual MASSOLIT Video Essay Competition. CPD Our language, like so many others, evolved through ages where the patriarchy dominated, resulting in English, which is … Continue reading Inherent Sexism in the English Language
Has the Demographic Timebomb already been Detonated?
Hannah (Year 12) Editor's note: Hannah wrote this essay during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. It was submitted for peer review at Routes: The Journal for Student Geographers. Hannah is now studying Geography at the University of Durham. CPD The ‘demographic timebomb’ is often used to refer to the crisis that many countries … Continue reading Has the Demographic Timebomb already been Detonated?










