Category: History

David Hume celebrated the wisdom of “unlettered men”. In a democracy, do the votes of unlettered men tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of the lettered or do the votes of the lettered tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of unlettered men?

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Paarshva (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Paarshva wrote this essay for entry into the annual John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize. Paarshva explores the debate between the political wisdom of the 'lettered'—those with formal education and theoretical knowledge—and the 'unlettered'—those with experiential, practical knowledge. It examines whether the collective judgment of the unlettered … Continue reading David Hume celebrated the wisdom of “unlettered men”. In a democracy, do the votes of unlettered men tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of the lettered or do the votes of the lettered tend to protect a country against the bad ideas of unlettered men?

Change: Embracing oneself and taking full responsibility

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Fahim (Year 10) Editor's note: Fahim, now in Year 11, wrote this engaging piece whilst in Year 10. William Basson, a young man from a successful family, struggled with traditional education and his father’s expectations, finding solace instead in philosophy and abstract thought. Despite academic challenges and a serious illness, he resolved to take full … Continue reading Change: Embracing oneself and taking full responsibility

Conflict

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Tanisi (Year 8) Editor's note: Current Year 9 student Tanisi wrote this short essay during their time in Year 8. It is fantastic to see some of our passionate younger students engaging with the GSAL Journal. Tanisi argues that conflict is a natural and inevitable aspect of human interaction, often driving societal change and growth … Continue reading Conflict

Were Jews welcomed to Britain during the Nazi period?

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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?

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 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?

Exploring the Tudigong, a history and deeper exploration of meaning and symbolism in relation to divine protection.

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Felicity (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Felicity entered this essay into the Girton College, Cambridge, annual Humanities Writing Competition. Entrants were asked to research and write beyond the curriculum, using one or more of five selected objects from the Lawrence Room museum as their focus. Focusing on Girton’s museum collection in the Lawrence Room, the … Continue reading Exploring the Tudigong, a history and deeper exploration of meaning and symbolism in relation to divine protection.

Valerie L. Thomas – Trailblazer, Inventor and Ambassador

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Lily A - Year 12 Student Effortlessly surfing the Internet and casually downloading web images, we rarely pause to think how all of the daily actions we so easily take for granted in our lives were actually made possible. Have you ever wondered how a hologram works? How detailed satellite images allow us to navigate … Continue reading Valerie L. Thomas – Trailblazer, Inventor and Ambassador