Despite the end of term creeping up on us, the Economics Department have been keeping the pupils busy. Head of Economics, Mr Darius Bluck, gave pupils the opportunity to enter into the Deloitte School Essay Competition. Deloitte, one of the largest financial advisory networks in the world, hold the prestigious competition annually, and it is open to pupils from schools across the United Kingdom for submission. Deloitte work with a breadth of clients, from small businesses to government departments, and hire a number of graduates and school leavers every year, making them ideally placed to judge essays on a variety of economical topics from Sixth Formers.
All Sixth Formers were offered the opportunity to enter the competition, which was based on the submission of a 2000 word essay. The essay could be on any area of interest within Economics. Over half of the Year 12 and 13 students entered the competition, and topics ranged enormously, from the causes of poverty in the developing world, to the consequences of austerity in the UK. Straight from the horse’s mouth, Mr Bluck admitted that essays were submitted with very little help and support from the department. Pupils were encouraged to think independently, and apply the knowledge that they have gained through classes to the world around them. This was a challenging task; many pupils not accustomed to writing 2000 words on one topic, they nevertheless rose to the occasion and completed the challenge.
Two pupils were shortlisted: James Fenton and Sam Wisely. Sam had entered an essay comparing China and the UK’s approach to economic recovery following the global recession, whilst James had entered an essay on the economic effects of corruption in the developing world. The boys have both been invited to an awards event and insight evening, hosted at Deloitte’s Reading office. The event also doubles as a networking opportunity with Deloitte workers and HR staff, which was a fantastic added bonus for the pupils. Winners will be announced on the evening.
