Deadline:
May 15, 2024
Location(s)
Online United Kingdom
Overview
The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world's oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883. With thousands of young people taking part each year, it is an important way to recognise achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing.
Details
The theme for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place in Samoa in October 2024, is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth’.
Nearly half of Commonwealth countries are Small Island Developing States like Samoa that are disproportionately affected by climate change. Communities across the Commonwealth are also facing a range of challenges, including economic growth, peace and security. Creating strong and resilient societies is now more important than ever.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 asks entrants to consider how they deal with adversity, and how community and culture can be used to encourage resilience and hope in a world with a growing number of global issues.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 is now open for entries until 15 May 2024. Please use the widget below or this link to submit your entries.
SENIOR CATEGORY
(Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age))
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"It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change."– Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. What small steps can you take to help tackle the climate crisis?
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Write a speech highlighting what you think is the most challenging issue facing the world today, and how Commonwealth values can be used to solve it.
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At the heart of Samoan way of life is ‘aiga’, meaning ‘family’ values including selflessness, hospitality, co-operation, respect and dignity. What core values and ideas from your culture can be used to enhance co-operation and community in the Commonwealth?
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The Commonwealth’s London Declaration aimed to strive for peace, liberty and progress. Write a letter to your President or Prime Minister about how to achieve those aims.
JUNIOR CATEGORY
(Born on or after 16 May 2010 (under 14 years of age))
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What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?
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Write a dialogue between yourself and a grandparent about resilience and hope. What can you share with the older generation, and what can you learn from them?
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You are taking part in a beach clean-up and discover that you can speak to sea creatures. What are they saying, and how do you respond?
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You’re on a school exchange in a Commonwealth country different to your own. How do you make friends with people your age? (Consider similarities and differences in culture that may unite you).
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
- Nationals and residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories aged 18 and under are eligible to enter the competition, including entrants from Zimbabwe.
- All entries must be written in English
- Entries are accepted from residents of non-Commonwealth countries who submit through their local RCS branch.
- Entrants can be presented in any form/ method of creative writing. Pictures/ Illustrations are particularly encouraged in the Junior Category.
Dates
Deadline: May 15, 2024
Cost/funding for participants
One Winner and Runner Up will be chosen from each category.
- Winners and Runners Up (accompanied by one adult/guardian) will be brought to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony.
- A number of Gold Finalist, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be given in both the Senior and Junior categories, rewarding excellence in writing.
- All successful entries will receive a Certificate of Participation.
- Local RCS branches often hold local and regional ceremonies or offer prizes so if you were made aware of the competition by your local RCS branch, please contact them after the competition closes on 30th June to inquire about any activities they might have planned.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
