This year saw a record number of entrants to the One-Hour Challenge, some thirty in all, with a gratifyingly high number coming from Year 7.
Every year group was represented apart from Year 11, understandably busy with Trial Exams at the time. Essays were read and a shortlist produced by Dr Massey; they were then passed to Mr Wadey to be scrutinised and ranked ‘blind’, devoid of names. Following amicable discussion, a pecking order was agreed as follows:
Year 7–9
1st Prize (£20 book token)
Luke in Year 9 for an essay entitled ‘Why does it matter how Palmyra is destroyed?’
2nd Prize (£10 book token)
Lucas in Year 8 for an essay entitled ‘What do Terrorists Want?’
Year 10 and above
1st Prize (£20 book token)
Cara in Year 10 for an essay entitled ‘”Every life is many days, day after day. We walk through ourselves, meeting robbers, ghosts, giants, old men, young men, wives, widows, brothers-in-love. But always meeting ourselves.” (James Joyce). Discuss.’
2nd Prize (£10 book token)
Jacob in the Lower Sixth for an essay entitled ‘What is so funny about peace, love and understanding?’
Our congratulations to the winners and thanks to all entrants and our judges for giving their time.