R.A. Butler Prize
R.A. Butler Prize
Trinity College, Cambridge, and the University’s Department of Politics and International Studies announce the R.A. Butler Prize for essays in Politics and International Studies, for Year 12 or Lower 6th students. The Prize was established in memory of the former Master of Trinity College, Lord Butler, who most famously served as Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer, and who was responsible for the introduction of free secondary education for all students in the UK.
The objectives of the R.A. Butler Prize are twofold. Firstly, it aims to encourage students with an interest in modern politics and world affairs to think about undertaking university studies in Politics, International Studies or a related discipline; it is not limited to those already studying these subjects or indeed other social sciences. Secondly, its intention is to recognise the achievements both of high-calibre students and of those who teach them.
Candidates are invited to submit an essay of between 2,000 and 4,000 words on a topic to be chosen from a list of general questions. Candidates are encouraged – but not required – to use contemporary, historical or literary examples in their essays.
The list of questions is published in March of each year, and essays have to be submitted by June.
The questions for 2013 are now available to download here
Essays should be sent to:
The R.A. Butler Prize
c/o Dr Glen Rangwala
Trinity College
Cambridge
CB2 1TQ
by the deadline of 3rd June 2013. Those intending to apply should also complete this cover sheet , which is to be included with the submission. Winners will be announced by the end of June.
The winners in 2012 are:
First prize: Kiah Ashford-Stow, King Edward VI School,Southampton
Second prize: Jamie Sproul, Stamford School, Stamford, Lincolnshire
The winners in 2011 were:
First prize: Aman Rizvi, Winchester College, Winchester
Second prize: Frans Robyns, Kings College School, Wimbledon
The competition carries a First Prize of £600, to be split equally between the candidate and his or her school or college (the school or college’s portion of the prize to be issued in the form of book tokens), and a Second Prize of £400, which again is to be shared equally between the candidate and his or her school or college. All successful competitors will be invited to visit the College and the Department. Any queries from teachers with students who may be interested in submitting work for the prize should be directed to Dr Glen Rangwala at the address above or by e-mail (gr10009@cam.ac.uk). Please note that essays may not themselves be submitted by email.