Tag: Politics

‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

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Hannah (Year 12) Editor's note: Hannah wrote this essay during her time in Year 12 at GSAL. It was entered into the annual Minds Underground Essay Competition. Hannah is now studying Geography at the University of Durham. CPD Dambisa Moyo argues in her book ‘Dead Aid’ (Moyo, 2010), that foreign aid has failed to promote … Continue reading ‘Millions in Africa are poorer today because of aid; misery and poverty have not ended but increased’ (DAMBISA MOYO). What do you think?

In your view, what is the most influential written document and why?

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Diva (Year 9 ) Editor's note: Year 9 student Diva, now in Year 11, submitted this essay to the annual Perse School Aristotelian Award essay competition. As the judges noted, "[We are] delighted to announce that Diva [was] shortlisted for the Arts/Humanities category for the Y9 Aristotelian Award competition we have run this academic year. … Continue reading In your view, what is the most influential written document and why?

Legislating lies: What are the laws criminalising misinformation?

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Emilia (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Emilia has aspirations to become a journalist. She has written this short but informative article for publication in the GSAL Journal to help hone her journalistic writing skills. CPD Technology is advancing every day, with the use of AI and spread of ‘fake news’ within the media … Continue reading Legislating lies: What are the laws criminalising misinformation?

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?

Does free trade actually benefit economies of developing nations?

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Rahul (Year 12) Editor's note: Year 12 student Rahul, now in Year 13, wrote this essay on free trade - little did he know how relevant it would be at the time of publication in May 2025, with Trump's tariffs and global trade arguably at a crossroads! CPD The impact of free trade on developing … Continue reading Does free trade actually benefit economies of developing nations?

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?

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 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?