Category: Competition

What are the drivers of the global moves away from free trade and how should the UK respond?

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Tehan (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Tehan, now in Year 13, wrote this essay for submission to the FCDO Next Generation Economics 2025 competition. They chose to answer the question: While free trade has been the dominant view in the last decades, protectionist policies are on the rise. What are the drivers of … Continue reading What are the drivers of the global moves away from free trade and how should the UK respond?

What legal issues might arise from prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008?

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Tatiana (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Tatiana submitted this essay into the prestigious Robert Walker Prize for Essays in Law by Trinity College, Cambridge. This essay demonstrates strong academic writing skills, particularly in its structured argumentation and engagement with legal precedent. The discussion effectively balances ethical concerns—such as privacy and autonomy—with practical enforcement … Continue reading What legal issues might arise from prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to anyone born after 2008?

‘A whole is that which has a beginning, middle, and end.’ (Aristotle). Are all dramatic works ‘whole’?

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Theo (Year 12 student) Editor's note: Theo researched, wrote and submitted this exceptional academic essay to the Gould Prize for Essays in English Literature, organised by Trinity College, Cambridge, during his time in Year 12 at GSAL. This essay was awarded Highly Commended and Theo was invited to visit Trinity College in person. Theo is … Continue reading ‘A whole is that which has a beginning, middle, and end.’ (Aristotle). Are all dramatic works ‘whole’?

Why do civilisations collapse? Is our civilisation in danger?

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Hanna (Year 11 student) Editor's note: Year 11 student Hanna submitted this excellent essay to the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize 2024. In a strong field of entries from all over the world, Hanna's entry was recognised as 'Very Highly Commended'. The essay demonstrates excellent independent research, skilled synthesis of a range of … Continue reading Why do civilisations collapse? Is our civilisation in danger?

What were the most important impacts of the Industrial Revolution on urban living conditions in Leeds?

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Yuhan (Year 9 student) Editor’s note: This carefully researched and well-written essay was submitted to the annual Perse Aristotelian Award Essay Competition. CPD One major impact of the Industrial Revolution on Leeds is the quality of life led by residents. From when Maurice Paynel founded Leeds in 1207 [1] to today, the quality of life in Leeds, and … Continue reading What were the most important impacts of the Industrial Revolution on urban living conditions in Leeds?

What is globalisation and is it widening the gap between rich and poor countries?

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Naomi (Year 9 Student) Editor’s note: This excellent essay was submitted to the annual Perse Aristotelian Award Essay Competition. CPD “It has been said that arguing against globalisation is like arguing against the laws of gravity” Kofi Anann Introduction What type of challenge are we confronting? The combined wealth of the eight richest individuals is equivalent to the … Continue reading What is globalisation and is it widening the gap between rich and poor countries?

What were the most significant influences from the Romans or the Roman Empire on modern political systems?

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Angela (Year 9 Student) Editor's note: This carefully researched and well-written essay was submitted to the annual Perse Aristotelian Award Essay Competition. CPD "In the end, the Roman Empire was not just a land of marble columns and emperors, but a living testament to the virtues of law, citizenship, and governance that would shape nations … Continue reading What were the most significant influences from the Romans or the Roman Empire on modern political systems?

What role could artificial intelligence play in medicine and healthcare?

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Tanisi - Year 9 Student Editor's note: This excellent essay was the winning entry into GSAL's internal British Science Week Essay Competition, open to all students in years 7-10. According to the judges, Sixth Form student Science Faculty Leaders, "The first essay on AI in medicine effectively uses sources and quotes to eloquently discuss the … Continue reading What role could artificial intelligence play in medicine and healthcare?

Is universal basic income (UBI) a viable solution to inequality in the 21st century?

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Diva (Year 11) Editor's note: Year 11 student Diva entered this essay into the Minds Underground Essay Competition for Economics. The Minds Underground Economics Essay Competition is aimed at students in Year 12 (though younger applicants are welcome). The competition provides students with an opportunity to engage in university-level research, hone their writing skills and … Continue reading Is universal basic income (UBI) a viable solution to inequality in the 21st century?