Eastbourne College pupil wins the Most Original Essay prize in the FT–American Politics Group A Level Essay Competition
Eastbourne College is delighted to share that Charlie H has won the Most Original Essay prize in the FT–American Politics Group A Level Essay Competition, a national competition run as part of a broader project between the American Politics Group, the Political Studies Association and the Financial Times Schools Programme.
Pupils were invited to choose from a selection of essay questions on contemporary issues in US politics. Charlie chose to respond to the question, “Does President Donald J. Trump represent an anomaly or reflect a broader strand of thought and action in American politics?”, developing his argument through political theory and historical comparison.
Charlie’s essay stood out for its depth, clarity and confidence. Drawing on a wide range of authoritative sources, he explored the parallels between the rhetoric of Donald Trump and Richard Nixon, combining well‑chosen historical and contemporary examples with a strong theoretical framework.
Praising Charlie’s achievement, Tom Lawson, Headmaster of Eastbourne College, said: “I am delighted that Charlie won this prestigious essay prize. His well‑researched piece drew on multiple authoritative sources, including the Financial Times, to demonstrate the parallels between Donald Trump’s rhetoric and that of Richard Nixon, among others. Deftly combining theoretical frameworks and apposite examples, his essay was worthy of this prestigious national competition.”
Alongside Charlie, fellow Eastbourne College pupils Elliot, Ivanna, Felix, Mark, Olivia, Mabli and Thomas also submitted essays.
Reflecting on the wider value of the competition, Mr Lawson added:
“All our pupils enjoyed the stretch provided by this competition, which was ideal for ambitious sixth formers taking A Level or otherwise interested in politics. It focused on exciting topics that stimulated genuine interest and scholarship among the pupils.”
Charlie’s success is a significant achievement and a clear marker of the curiosity, independence and ambition being developed across the sixth form at Eastbourne College.
Categories: Eastbourne College School News
