About the Competition
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 recognize achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing.
Theme
“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.
Categories
- 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.
Awards
- 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?
Entries will be accepted from 1 May 2021 until 30 June 2021.
Official Brochure: CLICK HERE
