Head's Newsletter 27 September 2021

ESSAY WRITING COMPETTION — OXFORD UNIVERSITY 2021

ARMY SCHOLARSHIP

Congratulations to Courtenay who has been awarded an Army Scholarship for Officer Training at Sandhurst. The whole process of

selection very demanding, both mentally and physically. First, a written essay on a current affairs topic before undergoing four different time - based psychometric tests - comprehension, numerical, abstract and memory tests. The last activity on the first day were two individual interviews - one focusing on education and academics, the other more general and personal. On the second day, it was up early for breakfast before going straight for a bleep test. After this, a Planning Exercise task which involved a presented problem and map, to overcome the theoretical problems using prioritising and mental speed, distance, time calculations. Then after an hour they had to individually complete written plans, and then discuss their ideas in group syndicates, whilst being observed by several assessing officers. After the timed group discussion all candidates were individually interviewed on their ideas and plans. Afterwards, there were more obstacle courses including a timed individual obstacle course, where the challenge was to complete as many obstacles in 3 minutes. Throughout the two days, they were constantly assessed on confidence, leadership, discipline, teamwork, fitness, academic ability, problem - solving and analytical skills. Well done Courtenay! was understandably

Congratulations to Keatan Kaul, the prize winner of the Essay Writing Competition Summer 2021 organised by Exeter College, Oxford University. The question was to identify a key issue in a subject of his choice, explain that issue and offer potential solutions. He chose to write a 2000 word essay about carbon markets and climate change, because it is a pertinent issue in our world and a heavily discussed topic in the media. The title of his essay was: “ Carbon Markets: Is Carbon Tax, ‘ Cap and Trade ’ Sufficient, or is a Newer Method Needed? ”. He analysed previous methods used by governments to reduce carbon emissions, identified their strengths, and critiqued their weaknesses, while proposing my own solution. An extract of the feedback received: “ This is a distinctive work that stands out with maturity and insight. The carbon market is a very complicated topic, yet the author ’ s analysis justified their courageous choice. The essay is very clear and coherent, with arguments building upon each other logically ”.