Sixth Form Essay Competition

Guidance for participance in the Essay Competition.

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Essay Titles 

Participants may choose one of the following titles for their essay: 

Science
Q1: To what extent should scientific progress be pursued when its long-term consequences are uncertain? Discuss with reference to one or more fields, such as biotechnology, climate engineering, or artificial intelligence.
Mathematics
Q2: Is randomness ever truly random? Discuss with reference to mathematical theory and real-world systems.
Humanities (History / Politics / Philosophy / Geography / Sociology)
Q3: Are human beings primarily shaped by the societies they live in, or do individuals shape society? Explore with examples from across the humanities.
English Literature
Q4: Do stories change the world, or do they merely reflect it? Discuss with reference to one or more literary works.
Modern Languages / Linguistics
Q5: In an increasingly globalised world, are smaller or minority languages destined to disappear, or can they be meaningfully preserved?
Classics
Q6: To what extent are classical myths still useful frameworks for understanding human behaviour today?
Creative / Interdisciplinary Task
Q7: “Thresholds” Explore this theme in an essay, creative piece, or hybrid format. You may interpret “thresholds” in any sense—scientific, personal, cultural, architectural, philosophical, or metaphorical.

 

Guidance for Participants

Research and Planning: 

  • Choose a title that resonates with your interests.
  • Conduct thorough research using credible sources.

Structure:

  • Include a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion.
  • Use headings/subheadings where appropriate.

Argument and Evidence: 

  • Develop a well-reasoned argument supported by evidence.
  • Properly cite all references using Harvard or other style e.g. MLA.

Editing and Proofreading: 

  • Ensure your essay is free from spelling and grammatical errors.
  • Read your work aloud to check for flow and clarity.

Competition Rules 

Word Count:

Essays: 1,500 – 2,000 words (references not included).
Creative task: 1,000 – 1,800 words

Submission Requirements: 

  • Typed, PDF or Word document.
  • Title page with name, school, age, chosen question, and word count.
  • Consistent referencing style (Harvard, MLA, Chicago, etc.).

Terms & Conditions / Academic Integrity Policy

  1. Originality
    Entries must be the student’s own independent work.
    No collaboration, copying, or use of previously submitted schoolwork.
  2. Referencing
    All sources (books, articles, websites, images, data) must be properly cited.
    Any standard citation style may be used, but it must be consistent.
  3. Use of AI
    AI tools—including ChatGPT and similar systems—must not be used to generate, rewrite, translate, plan, or edit the essay.
    Normal academic honesty rules apply; work must reflect the student’s own thinking and writing.
  4. Integrity Checks
    Essays may be screened using plagiarism detection and AI-authorship analysis.
    Suspected breaches may result in disqualification.
  5. Eligibility
    Open to all 6th Form pupils
    One submission per entrant.
  6. Judging Criteria
    Originality and intellectual ambition
    Quality, clarity, and structure of argument
    Depth of research and engagement with the question
    Accuracy and academic rigour
  7. Deadlines & Publication
    Submission deadline: 23 Feb 2026
    Submission Method: Email your essay to jennifer.major@malverncollege.org.uk with the subject line: “Essay Competition Submission – [Your Name]”.

Judging Criteria: 

Essays will be judged on:

  • Originality of Ideas (30%)
  • Quality of Argument (30%)
  • Clarity and Style (20%)
  • Use of Evidence and References (20%)

Results Announcement:

Winners will be announced on Monday 24th March. 

Prizes

First Prize: £50
Second Prize: £35
Third Prize: £20

ALL entries will win a Golden Ticket!