


Theology Philosophy and Religion Essay competition Summer 2023
This year we are very grateful to ISEB who have generously sponsored the prizes for this year’s Theology Philosophy and Religion essay competition.
Competition Winners
Category 1: Year 6-7
First Prize
Edward Marsden – Battle Abbey School
Second Prize
Giorgietta Ungar – North London Collegiate School
Joint Third Prize
Neriah Allen – St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School
Ananya Subramonian – St Paul’s Girls’ School
Commendations
Issam Abou Zaki – St Paul’s Junior School
Scout Acott – St Paul’s Girls’ School
Ellie Atkinson – Berkhamsted School
Edward Beeby – Gayhurst Prep School
Rowan Cooper – Wycliffe Prep School
Ethan Kumar – St Andrew’s School, Woking
Amelia Norton – King’s College School, Cambridge
Tomorhiro Oxborrow – St Paul’s Junior School
Ram Pisharody – Hymers College
Aishwari Prabhuram – Beal High School
Shriya Saksena – Surbiton High School
Caitlin Stockwell – The Perse School
Category 2: Year 8-9
First Prize
Lilia Poustian – Notting Hill and Ealing High School
Second Prize
Marisa Martignon – St Paul’s Girls’ School
Third Prize
Amber Yap – North London Collegiate School
Commendations
Allegra Amicucci – St Mary’s School, Ascott
Charlie Broaders – Queen’s College, London
Zyana Cherian – Hymers College
Maisie Hicks – Surbiton High School
Athena Hu – North London Collegiate School
Holly Ryan – Berkhamsted School
Israel Benjamin Toye – Manchester Grammar School
Kirill Volosins – St Paul’s School
Amy Ye – North London Collegiate School
Richard Zhou – Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
Judge’s report
It was a very great pleasure to read so many excellent essays which clearly indicated how much personal reflection, research and care had been given to their composition. Overall, the standard this year was even higher than in previous years.
It was good to see many more entries for the Religion question in both categories, and although there were fewer Theology entries, the quality of essays was generally very high.
The winners are to be congratulate on the sophistication of their language, the quality of their arguments and the focus on the essay question throughout.
ISRSA thanks the Independent Schools Examining Board and, Academy Conferences for their generous support in sponsoring this year’s TPR prizes.
Michael Wilcockson
Essay Questions
Category 1: Year 6-7
Essays must be no longer than 400 words.
Theology
‘Jesus made an unfair demand on the rich young man to give all his wealth to the poor.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Philosophy
‘Only by following deep ecology will the world be saved from ecological disaster.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Religion
‘Following a religion makes one less selfish.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument. Refer to one religion you have studied.
Category 2: Year 8-9
Essays must be no longer than 800 words.
Theology
‘The story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) is about the two sides of each person’s human nature.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Philosophy
‘The only reality is my reality.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.
Religion
‘Religion does more good for the world than humanism.’ Do you agree? Show that you have considered both sides of the argument.