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This year Third Form Philosophy students have been taking part in a new essay competition, introduced in September by the P&R Dept as part of the drive to raise the profile of philosophical thought in the Year 9 curriculum. The David Newsome Essay Prize, aptly named in honour of Dr David Newsome, Historian, Philosopher and the 10th Master of Wellington (1979 – 1989), asked all Third Formers to submit an extended essay discussing a religious, philosophical, or ethical issue.
This stimulating addition to the curriculum added focus to the Third Form rotation and led to a variety of carefully researched and interesting essays that ranged from the indefinability of Art to the influence of Rap music on youth behaviour.
Head of Department, Tom Kirby had this to say about the winning entries:
“The essays displayed reasoned arguments and judgments, detailed original research, and serious attempts at understanding a range of other views. Their rigorous, structured and nuanced philosophical analysis led to a thorough treatment of important current topics.”
Well done to our two runners-up, Aurelia S who explored Cancel Culture, and Melissa C who wrote about the destructive influence of religion, and many congratulations to Jemima J for her prize-winning exploration of the morality behind Animal Testing.
