The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2015

This year’s theme recognizes that young people account for the majority of the Commonwealth’s population and play a vital role in shaping the world that we live in, now and in years to come. Through the world’s oldest and largest schools’ international writing competition, the Royal Commonwealth Society provides an opportunity for young people to share their stories and have their voices heard.

Prizes:

There will be a Winner and Runnerup in each category. Winners will be flown to London for a week of cultural and educational visits, culminating in a special award event in November 2015. Runners-up will be recognised in national award events. All four top entries will be published by the RCS. A number of Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be made in both the Junior and Senior categories, and participants who do not receive an award will be entitled to a certificate of participation.

Topics

Participants are encouraged to be creative in their response. Answers can be submitted in number of formats, for example: poem, letter, folk tale, script or essay.

Junior Category

Born after 1^st May 2001 (under 14 years)

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being young?
2. Imagine what the world will be like when you are an old person.
3. I am the future!
4. Imagine you are a young person living in a different part of the Commonwealth. What is life like for you?

Senior Category

Born between 2^nd May 1996 and 1^st May 2001 (14-18 years)

1. What do you hope to achieve in your lifetime?
2. In 2030 you will no longer be young. What changes would you like to see in the world in 15 years’ time?
3. Youth versus experience.
4. Fresh perspectives. What can a young Commonwealth offer?

 GUIDELINES

•  You must be living in, or a national of, a Commonwealth country or territory.
• All entries must be in English 
• More detailed Guidelines are available here 

How to Apply: To submit your entry, follow the instructions on this page.

The deadline for entries is 1st May 2015

For more information visit The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2015