MCS pupils take top spots in prestigious history prize

Lower Sixth pupil Leo has taken top spot in a prestigious history essay writing competition, with fellow peer Valerie securing third prize – the first time two out of the three top places have been given to students at the same school.

A record 138 essays were submitted to the Foundation for the History of Totalitarianism, a non-for-profit organisation that encourages study and research into totalitarianism. Essays were anonymised for judging to avoid any unconscious bias and 14 were commended, or above. As prize winners, Leo and Valerie have been awarded £1,500 and £400 respectively, to be shared equally with MCS.

The subject for this year’s history essay competition – which the Foundation describes as requiring ‘application and persistence’ – was “Jung Chang and the Cultural Revolution.” Jung Chang’s book, Wild Swans, was an international sensation when it was published and has sold over 13 million copies around the world. The book tells the story of modern China through the lives of her grandmother, her mother and herself.

The pupils’ essays addressed Jung Chang’s experiences and gave an account of the Cultural Revolution, along with their own comments and observations about what happened and why.

Jung Chang herself will present the awards ceremony next year.

Max Habsburg, Head of History, said: “Huge congratulations to Leo and Valerie for their exceptional achievements in this prestigious competition. They demonstrated outstanding historical inquiry, not to mention determination, to complete two thought-provoking and insightful essays, and truly deserve this recognition. Well done to them both!”