'Academic enthusiasm' celebrated in Richard Hillary Essay Competition

Congratulations to Sam U (S, UVI) on winning this year's Richard Hillary Essay Competition. 

This prestigious annual event is named after Old Salopian Richard Hillary and is modelled on the historic competition undertaken to select Fellows of All Souls College, Oxford, said by some to be the toughest exam in the world. It provides an opportunity for Sixth Formers to use their creative skills pitting their wits over one hour against a single-word unseen essay title.

This year’s title was ‘Purpose’ and all of the essays were highly thought-provoking and inspiring. There was a fascinatingly diverse range of content covered, bringing in for example the relevance of Art, Theology, the French Revolution, the concept of gender and purpose as the destroyer of creativity. There was no correct way to approach the task and a number of original themes were pursued, including political discourse, philosophical argument, poetry, speech making and fictional narrative.

Out of over 20 excellent entries six were shortlisted, with Sam U being judged the overall winner. He will receive the Hillary Medal during the whole-school Prizegiving in the Summer Term.

The competition was judged by Iain Hollingshead, author, freelance journalist and History teacher at Dulwich College. He said “I hugely enjoyed reading the shortlisted entries, all of which will stay with me in some way, whether through an arresting turn of phrase, an original thought or an impressive hinterland of academic enthusiasm.

"Among the excellent essays, Sam's stood out for its clarity of expression, its wit and its verve. Drawing upon sources from the Bible to Shakespeare to Martin Luther King for inspiration, Sam explored the extent to which humankind in general – and individuals in particular – have explored – and sometimes even discovered – their purpose. Although by its own admission the essay uncovered more questions than answers (“Is questioning in itself a purpose?” asked Sam), these were, nonetheless, wryly illuminating. Is there more to life than exam results, UCAS points, a pay check and an empty phrase on a gravestone? Ultimately, Sam concluded, he envied inanimate objects such as his pen, whose clear sense of purpose he could only hope to emulate.” 

Overall Winner

Sam U (S, UVI)

Runners Up

Isla B (M, LVI)

Sienna G (M, UVI)

Highly Commended

Isabel E (G, LVI)

Sandy B (Rb, LVI)

Eva H (G, UVI)

Dr Kowenicki,

Deputy Head (Academic)