We invite you to submit essays in English or Irish on the subject ‘Parliamentary Politics Matters for Peace’ or ‘ An Pharlaimint agus an tSíocháin’.
This essay competition is open to all Senior Cycle students on the Island of Ireland, i.e. 5th Year and 6th Year students in the Republic and to all AS level/A level students.
Its purpose is to encourage you to explore aspects of politics in an original and thought-provoking way.
It is not limited to the school curriculum. You are free (and encouraged) to explore beyond the curriculum.
Naturally, you can use what you have learned so far to inspire you. What you have studied, or are currently studying, in History, Economics, Business Studies, Religious Education, Politics and Society, Irish, English, and other subjects can provide avenues for further research.
Think about times you have wondered:
– Why is something the way it is?
– Where did this idea or concept or way of doing things come from?
– Who benefits and / or does not benefit from this?
– Are there other, better, or worse alternatives?
– etc…
Use newspapers and magazines, newspaper archives, your school or local town or college library, academic papers, the internet etc to aid your research. Be conscious of the quality of your sources.
Expect to draft and re-draft your essay before you are completely happy with it.
Ask teachers, family members, and friends to read your draft and offer feedback. (NOTE: The essay must be your own work, although you may avail of technical assistance in putting it into digital format and submitting it.)
Criteria for success:
The judges who will read and assess your essay are looking for the following:
Writing and presentation skills
Evidence of research
Strength of argument
Overall coherence