The competition is organised by the ESL Department at Gresham’s School. This year’s title invited pupils from schools across East Anglia to consider the following:

“Art is considered an essential part of all cultures throughout the world. However, these days, fewer and fewer people appreciate art and turn their focus to science, technology and business.

Why do you think that is?

What could be done to encourage more people to take interest in the arts?”

The field of entries was extremely strong and the judge, local award-winning journalist Alison Huntley, described them as “impressive…well-thought-out, reasoned, intelligent and knowledgeable”. Her job was almost impossible. In the end she chose two pupils from RHS as her junior winners and, in the senior category as her near-wins, Leonie B and Anjelika J and, as her overall winner, Luisa S for her wonderfully evocative opening and sensitive tone throughout.

Luisa received her prize of an Amazon voucher in chapel from the Headmaster.