Questions

Philosophy

1. What defines an activity as work? Should society strive towards working more or less?

2. 20th century American academic and social critic Camille Paglia said “The earth is littered with the ruins of empires that believed they were eternal” If the existence of empires are in memory or physical form is that considered existence to eternity?

Sociology

1. Has normalcy as a social construct been more beneficial or harmful to society?

2. Did the human ability to create social groups lead it to becoming the dominant species?

Archaeology

1. How can socioeconomic biases tied to objects of study in archeology be adequately voiced and addressed?

2. How can the study of past cultures help us understand and address challenges in the present?

History of Science

1. In ancient times myths were used to explain how the world works. Does this make myths science? How do we know our perception of science is not just another myth?

2. Did the exclusion of certain voices (e.g. women, minorities) hinder scientific progress in the past? How can we ensure inclusivity in science moving forward?

Registration

Registration before the deadline of 30 June may enter this year's competition.

Submission

All entries must be submitted by 11.59 pm BST on the submission deadline: Friday, 31 August 2025. Candidates must be eighteen years old or younger, on that date. (Candidates for the Junior Prize must be fourteen years old or younger, on that date.)

Entry is free.

Each essay must address only one of the questions in your chosen subject category, and must be between 1000 -2000 words (not counting diagrams, tables of data, endnotes or bibliography).

The file name of your pdf must be in this format: FirstName-LastName-Category-QuestionNumber.pdf; for example, Jessica Lisman would submit her paper of Philosophy under the title:

Jessica-Lisman-Philosophy-1.pdf

Essays with file names which are not in this format will be rejected.

Email your essay to fionakidman.essaycompetition@gmail.com (Make sure the word count is within 1000-2000 words

The candidate's name should NOT appear within the document itself.

Candidates should NOT add footnotes. They may, however, add endnotes andor a Bibliography that is clearly titled as such.

Results

The writers of the best essays will receive a commendation and be shortlisted for a prize. Writers of shortlisted essays will be notified by 11.59 pm BST on Friday, 31 October.

All short-listed candidates and prize-winners, will be able to download eCertificates that acknowledge their achievement.

Prizes

1st prize overall: $1000 + 25% scholarship for a research project at GEC Academy

2nd prize of each category: 25% scholarship for a research project at GEC Academy

There will also be multiple honourable mentions for each subject category.

Key Dates

Registration opens: 1 June, 2025.

Registration deadline: 30 June, 2025. (Registration is required by this date for subsequent submission.)

Submission deadline: 31 August, 2025.

Notification of short-listed essayists: 31 October, 2025.

Awards announcement: 4 November, 2025.