UK Annual Writing Award: 'Pleasure in the Task of Writing'

Award Amount:

• First prize: £250 to student + books for school library
• Runners-up prizes: £50 each + books for school library
• All entrants: Certificates

Geographic Scope: United Kingdom only

An annual research and writing award for post-16 UK students inspired by the life of Winston Spencer Churchill. The award is named after Churchill's own recollection of writing his first book, The Story of the Malakand Field Force, at age 23: "I soon experienced a real pleasure in the task of writing."

Purpose

This award aims to inspire young scholars to research and write about Churchill's life and legacy.

Eligibility

• Age: 16-19 years old
• Education: Full-time students in Britain (ages 16-19)
• Submission types:
  • A2 or IB extended essay
  • Diploma Extended Project
  • Other suitable research and writing projects

Submission Requirements

• Length: Approximately 5,000 words
• Topic: Any aspect of Churchill's life
• Content must demonstrate:
  • Undertaken research
  • Collected evidence and selected information using appropriate methodology
  • Interpreted evidence and drawn well-supported conclusions
  • Finished piece of work
• Originality: Must include student statement of originality
• References: All references and sources must be accurately recorded (work logs and diaries not required)

Judgment & Results

• Entries assessed by Churchill scholars
• Award made without reference to grade assigned by Examination Board
• Award has no validity in terms of UCAS points
• Results communicated to schools by end of year
• Prize presentations in spring at date to be confirmed

Prizes & Recognition

• Winning student: £250 prize + certificate
• Winning school/college: Books by or about Winston Churchill for library
• Runners-up students: £50 + certificate
• Runners-up schools: Books for library
• All entrants: Certificates
• School/College: Year's membership in The Churchill Centre including four issues of Finest Hour ("The Journal of Winston Churchill") and information about events and publications; reduced price admission to Churchill Lecture Series at Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms

Publication of Entries

With student consent, entries may be made available on The Centre website (www.winstonchurchill.org) for interest of readers worldwide.

Contact Information

Post:

• The Churchill Centre – UK: Education
• Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
• Clive Steps, King Charles Street
• London SW1A 2AQ

Application Process

Registration: Schools and colleges should register probable entries at any time in the relevant year but no later than beginning of October

Submission Deadline: 5 November at latest (submissions can be received earlier, e.g., at time of submission to Examination Board)

Confirmation: Schools and colleges will be notified of safe arrival of submissions

Application Materials

1. Written submission: Approximately 5,000-word essay on any aspect of Churchill's life
   • Can be version of A2 or IB extended essay
   • Can be Diploma Extended Project
   • Or other appropriate research and writing project
2. Student statement of originality: Each entry must be accompanied by this statement
3. References and sources: All must be accurately recorded (work logs and diaries not required)

Submission

Submit through school or college to:

Jo Hunt
The Churchill Centre – UK: Education
Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
Clive Steps, King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AQ

Timeline

• October (beginning): Schools/colleges register entries
• 5 November: Submission deadline
• End of year: Results communicated to schools
• Spring: Prize presentations at confirmed date