Essay Competition 2022
We are delighted to announce the winners of the ISRSA Theology, Philosophy and Religion Essay Competition 2022.
Years 6-7
First prize
Angela Harris
Kingston Grammar School
Second prize
Gia Anup
Caterham School
Third Prize
Arkansh Pandey
The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
Commended
Israel Toye-Benjamin, Manchester Grammar School
Giulia Sulejmani, St Andrew’s School
Max Cooper, Bruern Abbey School
Maito Shiode, The Perse School
Margot Lancaster, The Perse School
Emily Cooper, Wycliffe Prep School
Ayesha Menon, Wycliffe Prep School
Years 8-9
First Prize
Kingsley Arthanayake
Manchester Grammar School
Second prize
Richard Zhou
The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
Third Prize
Dillon Tan
Eton College
Commended
Victoria Wolfensburger, South Hampstead High School
Gurjus Chadha, Manchester Grammar School
Maia Martin, St Helen & St Katharine
Alexander Govindan, Wetherby Prep School
Saul Grenfell, The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School
Azka Noor, Withington Girls’ School
Paul Ostroverhy, Stowe School
Neve Pearson, Notting Hill and Ealing High School
Riccardo Santoleri, Manchester Grammar School
Ira Singh, St Helen & St Katherine
Flora Liu, Withington Girls’ School
Judge’s report
It was a very great pleasure to read so many excellent essays which clearly indicated how much thought, research and care had been given to their composition.
The majority of essays in both age categories were from the philosophy option. Those who fared well were those who pin down terms, defined them and then discussed their ambiguities. The very best essays integrated scholarly thought and personal reflection.
Perhaps next year there will more entries for the theology and religion questions as these also require similar philosophical skills to answer them well.
ISRSA thanks the Independent Schools Examining Board, Academy Learning, EthIQa, and Culham St Gabriel’s Trust for their generous support in sponsoring this year’s TPR prizes.
Michael Wilcockson
Questions
Category 1: Year 6-7
Essays must be no longer than 400 words.
Theology
‘The Crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-31) must be interpreted as a miracle.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Philosophy
‘Civil disobedience can never be justified.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Religion
‘All rites of passage should be marked by a religious ceremony.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument. Refer to one religion you have studied.
Category 2: Years 8–9
Essays must be no longer than 800 words.
Theology
‘The precise meaning of the story of the Paralysed Man (Mark 2: 1-12) is not clear.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Philosophy
‘True liberty is freedom from the control of others.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Religion
‘All religions point to the same ultimate reality.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Competition rules:
- An ISRSA member may enter up to 4 candidates per age category
- Only one essay per candidates may be entered
- Essays must be scanned (preferably as a pdf) and sent to ISRSA ([email protected]) by 14th May, 2022
- Each essay must have the candidates’ name and school placed at the top
- Teachers must ensure that their pupils have written their own work
- Category 1: Years 6-7 essays must be no longer than 400 words
- Category 2: Years 8-9 essay must be no longer than 800 words