The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition

1. Competition Category
 The competition is divided into two categories: the Senior category (ages 14-18) and the Junior category (ages under 14). 

Senior Category: 

• “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: 

• 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).

2. Theme
For 2024, the competition theme is ‘One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.’  

3. Eligibility
The competition is open to students aged 14-18 (Senior Category) and under 14 (Junior Category). The competition is open to nationals or residents of all Commonwealth countries and territories, as well as residents of Hong Kong, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Residents of non-Commonwealth countries with an operating RCS branch or affiliated/partner organization are also eligible to enter; however, entries must be submitted via the local RCS branch or affiliated/partner organization.

4. Scholarships and Prizes
All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation. One Winner and Runner-up from the Senior and Junior categories will win a trip to London for a week for events and workshops. Award details are below: 

Junior Awards Categories (Under 14s)

• Junior Winner
• Junior Runner-up
• Gold Awards
• Silver Awards
• Bronze Awards
• Certificate of Participation

Senior Awards Categories (Under 14-18)

• ​Senior Winner
• Senior Runner-up
• Gold Awards
• Silver Awards
• Bronze Awards
• Certificate of Participation