Theology Philosophy and Religion Essay Competition
Summer 2021We are delighted to announce the winners of the ISRSA Theology, Philosophy and Religions Essay Competition.
Almost all the essays submitted this year for the Theology, Philosophy and Religions essay prize were of an extremely high standard. All those selected by their schools had clearly worked very hard researching, thinking about and constructing their essays. The judges very much enjoyed reading all essays and the task of selecting the very best for prizes was inevitably difficult. Prizes were awarded to those whose essays were especially well composed and who showed particularly good personal engagement with the essay topic. ISRSA members can read the winning essays by following the link below.
ISRSA thanks the Independent Schools Examining Board and Academy Conferences for their generous support in sponsoring this year’s TPR prizes.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Category 1: Year 7
1st Place
Samit Valanju – Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
2nd Place
Hrithik Gosain – Lyndhurst House School
3rd Place
Gabriella Brown – Coloma Convent Girls’ School
Highly Commended
Connie McMilan – Caterham School
Harry McCulloch – Devonport High School for Boys
Keshav Kanwar – Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
Leonie Russell – Oakham School
Rajashree Venugopal – Beal High School
Jack Barrow – Milbourne Lodge
Michael Logothetis – Wetherby Prep School
Genevieve Coulson – Clevedon School
Emily Newman – Steyning Grammar School
Hijiri Yamada – St Augustine’s Priory
Category 2: Years 8 & 9
Years 8 and 9
1st Place
Charlie Heath – Eton College
2nd Place
Daniel Nellan – Eton College
3rd Place
Katherine van Wyk – St Paul’s Girls’ School
Highly Commended
Amulya Maganty – King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Aria Shivram – Bromley High School
Alexandra Turner – Norwich High School
Georgia Newell – Kingston Grammar School
Mayesa Mir – King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Tomas Lopez-Valcarcel – Eton College
Fraser de Rivaz – Kingston Grammar School
Henrietta Simpkin – James Allen’s Girls’ School
Izzy Badcock – Lancing College Prep School at Worthing
Questions
Category 1: Year 7
Theology
‘The story of Jesus’ transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13 ) was just a dream.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Philosophy
‘The moral rule “you must always save human life” is a bad rule.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Religion
‘A religious building must only be used for worship.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Category 2: Years 8–9
Theology
‘The Calming of the Storm (Mark 4:35-41) is best interpreted as a parable.’ Discuss.
Philosophy
‘Is that which is right because God commands it? or does God command that which is right?’ Discuss.
Religion
‘Meditation is less effective than prayer.’ Discuss.