commonwealth essay competition 2021 results

Christabel, Rui Yu among gold winners in Commonwealth essay competition

commonwealth essay competition 2021 results

Christabel Lau

KUCHING (Oct 5): Christabel Lau and Ong Rui Yu of St Joseph’s International School (SJIS) here were among 171 gold finalists out of 25,648 participants in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021.

According to a press statement, the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), which was established in 1883, is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools.

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.

This year’s competition is themed ‘Community in the Commonwealth.’

For Lau, participating in competitions like QCEC allowed her to explore the depths of her creativity and expand her knowledge on what was happening around her.

“It took about a week for me to come up with different ideas on how I’d want the story to go. The story concept had been revised thrice before I was set on the current concept.

“It was my goal to make the drafting journey as fun as possible and it took about two months before I came up with a final draft that I was proud of,” she said.

She thanked her English teacher Ann Armstrong for introducing a variety of writing competitions last year and encouraging her students to participate in them.

“I probably wouldn’t have been aware of the QCEC without her. It was also because of her that I was able to improve my writing skills so drastically,” she said and encouraged students to challenge themselves in writing competitions.

“You really do learn and gain a lot of awareness on a variety of topics such as climate change, life and so on.”

Ong meanwhile chose to write on the topic ‘Keeping Connected through the Covid-19.’

“It was a challenge to gather my thoughts and feelings about an ongoing pandemic when all I wanted to do was escape from this world. It took one month of many idea changes, drafts, and edits before this work today.

”I wanted to show people and document their experiences – both highs and lows. Major sources of inspiration were ‘Night’ by Elie Wiesel and two pieces of music – ‘Moon Song’ by Karen O and ‘I’m Forrest…Forrest Gump’ by Alan Silvestri,” she said.

When Ong heard that she was one of the gold finalists, she said the news came like a “spring breeze amidst a period of stressful studying.”

“I felt grateful that God has granted me this achievement and I was pleased that my results have improved compared to last year’s Silver.

“I hope to hone my skills even more to achieve Winner next year if God wills it,” she said.

She encouraged aspiring writers to read more to expose themselves to different ways of expressions; to know what they’re trying to convey and to be creative.

“Understand your audience. QCEC is searching for creative, profound works and it’s an avenue to spill your hearts out. Most importantly, don’t stop halfway,” she said.

Meanwhile, Lydia Ting, also from SJIS, achieved a Silver Award from QCEC.

“It took me around five days to finish the essay and when news reached me that I had won Silver, I was very surprised and glad as it was really unexpected.

“I am beyond grateful and privileged to receive this award,” she said and thanked Armstrong for introducing and encouraging both her and her classmates to join this competition.

She said joining QCEC had opened her eyes and motivated her to become a better version of herself.

“I would like to encourage other students to join because you never know what you can achieve if you don’t try. Anything is possible if you set your heart on it and work hard.

“I myself am looking forward to writing again in the future,” said Ting.

Gold Awards at the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021

Post author: admin
Post published: October 4, 2021
Post category: Uncategorized

Christabel Lau and Ong Rui Yu from St Joseph’s International School (SJIS), Kuching are among 171 gold finalists out of 25,648 participants in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021. Lydia Ting also from SJIS achieved a Silver Award.

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. For 2021 the Competition theme is Community in the Commonwealth. With the global spread of COVID-19, we’ve seen the lives of many Commonwealth citizens affected. However, through adversity, societies came together and stories of growth, community and hope continue to emerge.

Ong Rui Yu – Gold Award

It was part of our class assignment, so it was mandatory for us to write a composition for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition. It was natural to submit our entries after all the effort we have put into it.

My Experience Writing this Piece

It was a challenge to gather my thoughts and feelings about an ongoing pandemic when all I wanted to do is escape from this world. It took one month of many idea changes, drafts, and edits before this work today. Initially I was working on a “wedding toast” to our frontliners until 1am one night, I was crouching under the table to gain a new perspective, when phrases materialised. In a frenzy, I wrote some of them down in my notebook and the next day I structured these ideas into the 7 silences. It did not go smooth sailing from then on as I struggled to put thought to word. I took walks in the park, listened to my curated playlist, and asked for lots of feedback.

The topic I chose was “Keeping Connected through the Covid-19” and my goal was to write about these silences that through my work, I can connect with my readers. I wanted to show people and document their experiences – both highs and lows. Major sources of inspiration were “Night” by Elie Wiesel and two pieces of music – “Moon Song” by Karen O and “I’m Forrest…Forrest Gump” by Alan Silvestri.

The news came like a spring breeze amidst a period of stressful studying. My feelings were a gentle sort of happiness with flowers blooming and the world embraced in a bird song. I felt grateful that God has granted me this achievement and I was pleased that my results have improved compared to last year’s Silver. I hope to hone my skills even more to achieve Winner next year if God wills it.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

The truth is that every one of you has amazing ideas and stories in your head, the challenge is putting it on paper. Therefore, I encourage everyone to read more (to expose yourself to different ways of expression), know what you’re trying to convey and be creative. Understand your audience – QCEC is searching for creative, profound works and it’s an avenue to spill your hearts out. Most importantly, don’t stop halfway. This is an ongoing process – even now, I want to rewrite my submitted essay. Trust the process, believe in your goal, and persevere till the end. Hope this helps 😊 If you need help or anything, feel free to approach me.

Christabel Lau – Gold Award

First and foremost, I would like to thank the people who congratulated me. I would also like to thank my English teacher — Ms. Armstrong who introduced a variety of writing competitions last year and encouraged her students to participate in them. I probably wouldn’t have been aware of the QCEC without her. It was also because of her that I was able to improve my writing skills so drastically.

It took about a week for me to come up with different ideas on how I’d want the story to go. The story concept had been revised thrice before I was set on the current concept. It was my goal to make the drafting journey as fun as possible and it took about 2 months before I came up with a final draft that I was proud of.

When I received the email from QCEC, I was happy that what I wanted to portray in my essay came through. I am honoured that my essay had even been sent into the final panels. A big thank you to them for allowing us the opportunity to write and voice out our thoughts. It dawned on me that competitions like QCEC allowed me to explore the depths of my creativity and expand my knowledge on what was happening around me. I strongly encourage students to challenge themselves in writing competitions as you really do learn and gain a lot of awareness on a variety of topics. e.g. climate change, life and so on.

Lydia Ting – Silver Award

How do you get to know about the competition?

I got to know about this competition through my English teacher, Ms Armstrong. I would like to thank her for introducing and encouraging us to join this competition.

How long did it take you to come out with your essay?

It took me around 5 days to finish the essay.

What was your feeling when the news reached you?

When the news reached me, I was very surprised and glad as it was really unexpected and I’m beyond grateful and privileged to receive this award.

Any advice you want to give/ encouragement for other students?

I would like to encourage other students to join because you never know what you can achieve if you don’t try. Anything is possible if you set your heart on it and work hard 🙂 Good luck to everyone who wishes to join this competition next year, you guys can do it! 😀

Will you continue to write?

Joining this competition for the first time has really opened my eyes and motivated me to become a better version of myself. Thus I will look forward to writing again in the future.

St. Joseph’s Private Secondary School achieved the best results so far, with 32 straight A students

CONGRATULATIONS TO SJPS STEAM CLUB MEMBERS ON WINNING 1ST PRIZE IN THE KERBAL COMPETITION 2023!

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Outram wins at the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021

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In June, the EL department entered 11 entries at the annual Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition organised by the Royal Commonwealth Society.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, established since 1883. For 2021, the Competition theme was Community in the Commonwealth, and the essay topics were centered around the Covid-19 pandemic.

We are pleased to announce the following good results. Bravo, Outram writers!

Congratulations!

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Two Singaporeans receive The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition awards in Buckingham Palace

LONDON - Gauri Kumar, 14, lived in London for three years until she moved home to Singapore last year.

While she was here, she had only seen Buckingham Palace from the outside. On Wednesday (Oct 26), she and fellow Singaporean Tan Wan Gee, 14, were escorted into the palace, put through a rehearsal and taught how to curtsy.

It was to get them ready to meet Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

The Duchess was presenting certificates to the two teenagers: Gauri came in tops in the junior category of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition, while Wan Gee was the runner-up. The senior category was won by Inessa Rajah from South Africa and the runner-up was Esther Mungalaba from Zambia.

They beat 13,500 others from nearly all the Commonwealth countries, earning themselves a "Winners Week" in London which includes cultural and educational activities such as visits to Cambridge University, Houses of Parliament, The London Evening Standard newspaper, British Library and an award ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

Gauri said she was "extremely nervous" about the royal experience. "I haven't processed it yet. Hopefully, I'll be able to understand in a few days. But I'm still really confused about what's been happening," she said after receiving her award from the Duchess.

Wan Gee described the Duchess as "incredibly nice". She had asked the girls about the inspiration behind their winning essays, which had to reflect on the theme of the competition: An Inclusive Commonwealth.

Founded in 1883, The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world's oldest international schools writing competition. This year drew the most number of entries. Singapore alone sent in 4,585 entries - more than any other country.

The last Singaporean winner was Selina Xu from Nanyang Girls High School, who was senior runner-up in 2014.

The entries were judged by a pan-Commonwealth body of judges from more than 30 countries, who have described the entries as "inspirational", "imaginative" and "moving".

For her winning essay "Tales Of An Insider/Outsider", Gauri, who attends Tanglin Trust School, wrote about her experience of feeling disconnected from her relatives and culture because she does not speak Hindi well.

Wan Gee, who is studying in Temasek Junior College, wrote a poem "Are We Really So Different? Dear Santa", in which she advocated the importance of equality.

The two are voracious readers, with Gauri enjoying dystopian novels and authors like J K Rowling and George Orwell, and Wan Gee finding inspiration in Charles Bukowski and Sylvia Plath.

"There's something about their poetry that resonates with me," said Wan Gee, who confessed to hating poetry before she took a module in school last year.

"I bought a book by Charles Bukowski the other day. It's the way he makes something very ordinary feel very relatable. I really like that kind of expression."

Mr Michael Lake, director of the Royal Commonwealth Society, which organises the competition, said the four winners represent the "very best and brightest that the Commonwealth has to offer".

"Their essays and poems explore contemporary themes with maturity, intelligence and depth beyond their years."

About 70 guests were at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to celebrate the young writers' achievements. They included Mr Chia Wei Wen, Deputy High Commissioner for Singapore, The Very Reverend Dr John Hall, Dean of Westminster Abbey and Ms Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former prime minister of Denmark and now CEO of Save the Children International.

Watching on proudly were Gauri's parents and younger sister, and Wan Gee's mother.

The girls are only too aware that when they go back to Singapore, their friends will ask them if they met the Queen. They had words of encouragement for aspiring young writers who might now be inspired to join the competition.

"There's no harm in entering the competition and if you do well, that's the most amazing thing," said Gauri.

Added Wan Gee: "Never give up on your writing. You never know where it'll take you, for example, here."

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Camilla praises Commonwealth during award ceremony for essayists

The Duchess of Cornwall has paid tribute to the “unity, purpose and friendship” of the Commonwealth saying those who belong to it are “incredibly privileged”.

The duchess, delivering a speech at the prize-giving ceremony for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC), said the 2.4 billion members of the Commonwealth “beautify life for one another”.

Camilla vice-patron of the Royal Commonwealth Society, hosted the awards for this year’s essay prize, welcoming young winners to London for a reception at St James’s Palace.

Geri Horner, the former Spice Girl, also attended the ceremony to read one of the winning essays, while singer Alexandra Burke accompanied Cassandra Nguyen, the 2020 Junior Winner from Canada, who met the duchess ahead of the ceremony.

When Horner asked after the Prince of Wales who was famously photographed with a lipstick kiss mark on his cheek after receiving a peck from the singer, the duchess told her he was “fine”, if a “complete workaholic”.

When the celebrity told the duchess about a book she had read which claimed working is the key to a long life, the duchess agreed “Don’t retire!” before joking “that’s not my problem.”

In a speech to guests, Camilla wondered aloud about what she would have written if she had entered the prize as a child, under the topic “Community in the Commonwealth”.

“I think it might go something like this,” she said.

“Those of us who are part of the Commonwealth of Nations are incredibly privileged to belong to this wonderful community of 54 countries, sharing a spirit of unity, purpose and friendship.

“To quote the famous Canadian literary character, Anne of Green Gables, ‘I’m so thankful for friendship: it beautifies life so much’.

“Our Commonwealth community gives each of us 2.4 billion friends.

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“And I believe the 2.4 billion of us do much to beautify life for one another: rejoicing in each other’s successes, benefiting from each other’s wisdom, and supporting and sustaining one another through difficult times.”

Saying she had already witnessed the power of the prize in her travels around the world, she added: “I am determined to visit more Commonwealth countries as soon as I can, and I promise you that I will always seek out the QCEC wherever I go.”

Founded in 1883, it is believed to be the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools and aims to promote literacy, expression, and creativity among young people throughout the Commonwealth.

This year, nearly 26,000 children entered on the theme “Community in the Commonwealth”, with 130 judges whittling entries down to a final four winners.

The winners were Kayla Bosire, aged 16 from Nairobi, Kenya who flew to London to be presented with her award, and 13-year-old Ethan Charles Mufuma, who had a Zoom call with the duchess from the British High Commission in Uganda.

Runners-up, who also visited St James’s Palace, were Aditi Nair aged 15 from New Delhi, India, and Raisa Gulati aged 14 from Amritsar, India.

Judges included bestselling author Dame Susan Hill, author Hiya Chowdhury, head of research for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Dr Paul Edmondson, poet, painter and writer Sia Figiel, theatre maker Femi Elufowoju Jr, and Emeritus Professor Satendra Nandan from Fiji.

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Roman ridge school awarded joint first place globally with 283 medals in 2021.

The Roman Ridge School (TRRS) has shattered their own record-breaking performance again this year, with pupils awarded an astounding 283 medals after participating in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021, attaining the highest number of medals of any school in Ghana, the highest number of medals of any school in Africa and appointed Joint First Place globally.

TRRS has topped the overall national tables in this prestigious international writing competition since 2015.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (est. 1883) is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international schools’ essay competition that seeks to recognise achievement, elevate youth voices and develop creative writing skills.

The Roman Ridge School is exceptionally proud of our pupils’ excellent results over the years, consistently earning the most medals of any school in the country.

The results for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 have been released and a record-breaking 25,648 pupils around the world from every Commonwealth region participated in the 2021 competition, themed: Community in the Commonwealth.

We are elated to inform you that the school presented a total of 450 entries, which is our highest number to date. Of these 450 entries, our pupils have earned a record-breaking 283 medals which have shattered our previous records. Please see a breakdown of our performance in this competition outlined below:

The Royal Commonwealth Society has confirmed that of all schools around the world participating in the 2021 competition:

The Roman Ridge School had the highest pupil participation of any school in Ghana, Africa and the second-highest globally.

2. The Roman Ridge School had the highest number of medals of any school in Ghana, Africa, and was awarded Joint First Place globally.

On December 13, the school hosted a Special Awards Ceremony to celebrate the participants and medal winners of the 2021 competition. All COVID-19 protocols were strictly observed with separate ceremonies held for Bronze, Silver & Gold medal winners.

The School welcomed Dignitaries and Special Guests, including Nana Osim Kwatia II (Chief of Amanokrom and Gyasehene of Akuapem Traditional Area, and Member of the TRRS Academic Board of Governors), British High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Harriet Clare Thompson, Mr. Gabby Otchere-Darko (Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council), Mr. John Apea (Head of Mission, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council), Ms. Nana Adjoa Hackman (Africa Law Associates & Legal Partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council), Ms. Josephine Nkrumah (Chair, National Commission for Civic Education), Mr. Victor Kisseih (Seekapor Ghana), Dr. Charles Yeboah (Director, International Community School) and Mr. Drew, renowned Hiplife Artiste.

Also in attendance was Rev. Dr. Joyce R. Aryee (Chair of the Academic Board of Governors, TRRS), Mr. Carl Sackey (Member of the Academic Board of Governors, TRRS), Mr. Sampson Atiemo (PTA Chairman, TRRS), Mrs. Kate Amo (PTA Executive, TRRS), Mr. Gerard Boakye (PTA Executive, TRRS) and Mrs. Ramya Ediga (PTA Executive, TRRS).

In her opening remarks, Valerie Mainoo (Principal, TRRS) commended her students for always rising to the challenge and congratulated them for their outstanding performance again this year. She paid special mention to Teachers across the school, thanking them for their hard work and unwavering commitment to excellence in and out the classroom, year on year.

Harriet Clare Thompson congratulated our students for their outstanding achievements in this prestigious international competition. She spoke with passion about the vibrancy of Ghanaian culture and the need for young Ghanaians to seize every opportunity to tell their own stories from their own perspectives.

Mr. Gabby Otchere-Darko spoke to the importance of teamwork, collaboration and healthy competition in order to excel. He further said that achievements such as these speak to Ghana’s promising future and fills him with much optimism for what is to come. Mr. John Apea, encouraged students to use every opportunity to tell their own stories and ensure that their voices are heard, quoting the African Proverb, ‘Until the Lion learns to write, the story will always glorify the Hunter.’

Mr. Drew, emphasised the importance of being able to read, write and communicate fluently. Calling on his own experiences, he explained he uses the written word to create lyrics which speak artistically to his diverse audience. He further explained how his strong literacy skills have helped him understand and negotiate contracts ensuring that his interests are always met. He highlighted his visit with an impromptu acapella rendition of his smash hit ‘Mood’, much to the delight of our students and the entire audience.

Dr. Frank B. Adu Jnr (Chairman of Board of Directors, TRRS) in a message read on his behalf by Ms. Gloria Dakwa (Head of the Junior School, TRRS) said, "It is said that when a person learns how to read, they gain access to a world of knowledge. Indeed studies show that communities with strong literacy skills generally have a better standard of health and offer greater prospects for individuals who live in them. A literate person is empowered, they are the captain of their own ship!

Here at The Roman Ridge School, we place much emphasis on our Literacy programme. Not only are our students guided through a broad and balanced literacy experience to help them meet and surpass age expected levels, they are also challenged to use language as an expressive tool to effectively articulate their thoughts and ideas.

Furthermore, they are guided to become competent public speakers, confident in their abilities and are able to communicate to their given audience with ease. We also place great emphasis on the ability to listen!

These skills are the foundation on which our consistent achievements in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition are built. We must once again commend our staff for their exceptional day to day work with their students. These performances speak to your professionalism.

"As for our students, we are in awe of you. Your creativity, imagination and effective use of the written word is indeed world-class, literally! Your achievements can not be overstated. Excelling in your class is an impressive feat, doing so at a regional level is exceptional but to do so year after year on a global scale is mighty impressive.

"Many of us spend our lives striving for success without ever attaining it, and yet here you are, consistently doing so with your whole lives still ahead of you."

"Part of the school’s mission is to develop our students to, one day, make a significant impact in the world and lives of those who come across them. We are so very proud that you are doing so already. You are the realisation of a vision, you are the realisation of our mission.

"Congratulations students, bask in your achievements, it is very well earned. May God continue to richly bless you all!"

In closing Rev., Dr. Joyce R. Aryee reiterated the importance of Literacy in all facets of life, regardless of one’s area of study or career path.

She extended her heartfelt congratulations to our students, our teachers and our families on this historical milestone.

Related to this story

The Roman Ridge School shatters own record at Commonwealth essay contest

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Home » Opportunities & Events » Essay Competitions » The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 [Online]: Submit by June 30

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021 [Online]: Submit by June 30

Tasneem Marfatiya
Jun 26, 2021
18 Comments

The Royal Commonwealth Society is conducting The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021. Register for the competition by June 30.

About the Organizers

Aspiring young writers submit their pieces in response to a theme. The theme is rooted in Commonwealth values, providing an interesting introduction to the network and allowing young people to explore their own connection to the Commonwealth, whilst fostering an empathetic and open-minded worldview.

About the Competition

For 2021 the Competition theme is Community in the Commonwealth . With the global spread of COVID-19, we’ve seen the lives of many Commonwealth citizens affected. However, through adversity, societies came together and stories of growth, community, and hope continue to emerge.

Entries will be accepted from 1 May 2021 until 30 June 2021.

Senior Category (born between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2007 (14-18 years of age)
Discuss the following: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
Keeping connected through COVID-19
It’s been 30 years since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, what does the world look like
Imagine you are the Head of a Commonwealth nation heavily affected by COVID-19 and giving a national address at the end of the pandemic. What would you say to your community?
Junior Category (born on or after 1 July 2007 (under 14 years of age))

The year is 2050 and you’ve been asked to write about the coronavirus pandemic for a museum. What story would you tell?
Tell a story of how you, or someone you know, helped others during the pandemic.
‘We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again’ – HM Queen Elizabeth II. After the pandemic, you are seeing a friend for the first time. What new hobbies would you share with them?
What did you miss most during the pandemic?

Eligibility

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.

Click here to know the terms and conditions for the competition.

One winner and runner-up will be chosen from each category.
The winner and runners-up will be brought to London for a week of educational and cultural events, culminating in a special Awards Ceremony.
A number of 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.

How to Submit?

Submit by entering the competition through the link given at the end of this post.

June 30, 2021

Click he r e to download the flyer for official details.

Click here to enter the competition.

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18 Responses

I won bronze medal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i won silver in 2022 and 2023

I submitted and that was fantastic. I just wish for a position from QCEC.

when will be results out?

how to submit the entry in which form

Is there a word limit, too?

Is there a word limit?

where is the form?

where did we need to come to write our essay ?

Accepted formats are: PDF (.pdf) and Microsoft Word Documents (.docx). Any other formats, even from other word processor software, are not accepted, such as (.txt) and Google Pages Documents (.pages). Please submit via the official website using the ‘Submit Entry’ option, where, after filling in the required ‘Personal Details’ form, you can upload your document or paste your entry into the provided text box.

We have to GO in Pune?

How to submit essey

SakshamGupta

Can you please specify the word limit for 14 category?

Please check the How to Submit part of the post.

How to submit the entry and in which form..please Guide

How to submit the entry and in which form

How to submit the entry and in which form?

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The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021

Posted by MCGS
Categories Academics
Date September 29, 2021

We are absolutely thrilled to share with you that Raisa Gulati (C/02264) of class IX has been declared the Junior Runner-up of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021.The QCEC 2021 was especially competitive, with over 25,648 young people submitting an entry and sharing their ideas with the #Commonwealth family.

The names of the Winners and Runners-up of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021are: Senior Winner: Kayla Bosire from #Kenya Junior Winner: Ethan Mufuma from #Uganda Senior Runner-up: Aditi Nair from New Delhi, #India Junior Runner-up: Raisa Gulati from Amritsar, #India

Raisa will be leaving for London in October to attend a special Award Ceremony to celebrate these incredible young #Commonwealth writers.

The students who have been honoured with Certificates are – 1. C/01733 -Laila Banerjee (std. XII) – Gold 2. S/02317 – Divina Rathor (Std. XI) – Bronze 3. S/02263 -Jahnavi Mahana (std. IX) – Gold4. P/02346- Deveshi Sharma (std. VIII) – Gold 5. S/02258 – Dia Goyal (std. VIII) – Gold 6. M/01737 – Akanksha Majumdar (Std. XII) – Gold 7. K/02259 – Abhisri Singh (Std. VIII) – Silver 8. S/02486 – Survhi Rana (Std. VII)- Bronze

Congratulations to the winners and Best Wishes for a bright future

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Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 (Prize + Certificate)

If you have good essay-writing skills and want to participate in an international competition. Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is for you to show your skills and is currently open. In this article, we will explain in detail about this competition, its prize and step by step application process.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024 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 recognize achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing.

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Programme, Commonwealth Heads of Government declared 2023 a year dedicated to youth-led action for sustainable and inclusive development and called on renewal and strengthening of our commitment to youth engagement and empowerment.

Of the Commonwealth’s population of almost 2.5 billion people, 60% are under the age of 30. This young demographic represents a dynamic ‘youth force for change’, made up of exceptional young people who are increasingly involved in advocacy, decision-making and action.

The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2023 asks entrants to explore the power young people hold within the global community and consider how this power can be harnessed to make a meaningful impact in the world.

The Society has a rich history of nurturing the creative talents of young people around the Commonwealth and we endeavour to promote literacy, expression and creativity by celebrating excellence and imagination. The Competition invites all young Commonwealth citizens and residents, regardless of region, education or background, to share ideas, celebrate their story and have their voice heard. Through partnerships with Book Aid International, Worldreader and the National Literacy Trust, the Society is working to increase access to this opportunity for a wider range of young people.

Scholarship Summary

Level of Study: Competition
Institution(s): The Royal Commonwealth Society (RCS)
Study in: UK
Deadline: May 15, 2024

Essay Topics

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. 

SENIOR CATEGORY

(Born between 16 May 2005 and 15 May 2010 (14-18 years of age))

“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?  
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.
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? 
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))

What new habit could you adopt to positively contribute towards a greener Commonwealth?  
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? 
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?
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).

Scholarship Coverage/Prize

Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition provides the recipient with the following benefits:

– All entrants receive a Certificate of Participation and one Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week of educational and cultural events.

– Prizes have traditionally been awarded only to the first prize winners in the Senior and Junior categories and also vary year by year. This means they are not able to confirm what the prizes will be until after the winners are announced in August 2024. Past prizes have included:

Resources for winner’s school
Certificates
Visits to Cambridge University
A trip to London and a week of activities
Having your entry featured in worldwide media
Work experience at international organisations, and
RCS regional and branch offices often hold ceremonies or offer prizes. Please contact your nearest RCS branch after the competition closes on June 30, 2024, to inquire about any activities planned.

Eligibility Criteria for Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

To participate in the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, following is the criteria:

Required Language: All entries must be written in English.
Eligible Countries: Nationals and residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories aged 18 and under are eligible to enter the competition, including entrants from Zimbabwe.
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.

How to Apply for Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition?

Please follow the following important application instructions to participate in Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition:

Online Submission:

The Royal Commonwealth Society is building a new online platform that will be much easier to use and accessible on all devices, but it’s not quite ready yet.
They are encouraging young people to begin writing their pieces and will open the new platform for submissions in early 2024.
Please note: They do not accept essays sent by email.

Offline Submissio n ( P ost): (Check the How to Enter section in the official website for more details)

Offline submissions are very difficult to process and can mean that your entry arrives after the Competition closing date. They will only accept an offline entry where the person submitting has no access to internet and is unable to submit online.
If you are submitting your entry by post, please complete an entry form (Can be found in the official website) in block capitals and attach it to the front of your essay. Entries should be sent to your nearest postal hub, details of which are listed below.
Please note that for postal entries, your essay must be received by June 30, 2023 in order to be eligible. They, therefore, suggest that you send your essay with plenty of time for delivery, as essays received by a postal hub after June 30 will not be considered in the competition.
Check the official website for posting address.

To know more about Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, please visit the official website:

Official Website

Related Scholarships:

UK Scholarships

Apr 21, 2023

Sawooly Li, Senior Winner of the QCEC 2022 shares her experience of entering the competition

To mark World Creativity Day 2023, Sawooly Li, Senior Winner of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2022 shares her experience of entering the competition.

What is your favourite book and why?

One of my all-time favourite reads is Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a graphic memoir depicting her childhood during the Iranian revolution. As a little girl, Marjane’s love for her religion and her country’s history is so sweet and touching. Persepolis really opened my eyes up to the beauty of a different culture and the strength of its people. As Satrapi explains, “I believe that an entire nation should not be judged by the wrongdoings of a few extremists.”

Who is your favourite writer and why?

Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of Jane Austen novels. Whether it be Pride and Prejudice or Emma , her vivid characters and storylines are gripping, and her ideals ahead of their time. From a more modern age, Ocean Vuong has been a great source of inspiration—he has such a powerful way with words and evoking strong emotions.

What inspired you to enter the competition?

As I’m sure many of you can relate to, reading and writing has always been a passion for me. The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition was something that I stumbled across online, but immediately knew I wanted to try. I remember reading several featured entries from past years and being inspired by their creative responses and captivating story-telling. Soon after, I decided to enter a piece of my own!

What was your writing process like?

I spent quite a while brainstorming and planning out my essay. For 2022, the prompt I chose to answer was related to service during the pandemic, so I read online about frontline workers and their stories to draw inspiration. The actual essay writing, however, only took me three days! I find that once I get in the flow, the story begins to shape itself.

What inspired you to write your piece?

Here in New Zealand, we are really lucky to have all this lush indigenous flora and fauna, so I knew I wanted to incorporate these elements into my writing. We also have a rich Māori culture with some beautiful concepts like Manaakitanga, which I centred my piece around. I thought it was a unique but insightful way to reflect on service and the prompt.

My Winner’s Week Experience

Last November, I was fortunate enough to attend a week of activities and celebrations with other talented prize winners from all around the world. From visiting Shakespeare’s birthplace to meeting Mr Speaker’s cat, our trip would have so many amazing experiences and surprises. One of my favourite activities during Winner’s Week was touring Westminster Abbey, the final resting place of kings, queens, notable scientists and famous writers. Whilst standing a few feet above Sir Isaac Newton, or beneath the busts at Poets’ Corner, I was awestruck by the sheer history the Abbey contained. I was mere fingertips away from some of the most influential figures the world had ever seen. My favourite aspect of the week, however, was not any physical place, but instead being able to share these experiences with other young writers from all across the world. Riding in the underground, I loved hearing about life in Singapore or the culture and traditions of India. Walking between one place and the next, we would listen curiously to details on the political turmoil in Uganda and the inflation crisis in Lebanon. This opportunity has truly shifted the perspective with which I view the world—I have learned so much from my peers, and have been inspired by their creativity and passion. Since then, I’ve been determined to continue improving my work. In her speech at Buckingham Palace, The Queen Consort touched on the power of the written word—its ability to evoke emotion and connect people together. In light of this, I hope many more students write and continue to write, and are unafraid to voice what is important to them.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society .