Got a question? Contact us 
.
We have an extra special prize for those entering topic number 3: "What positive steps can you or I start to take to tackle climate change?"...
Award-winning children's author, Meredith Hooper, has generously donated 4 signed copies of her latest book. 'The Ferocious Summer: Palmer's penguins and the warming of Antarctica' will be awarded to the strongest essays in this category. If you want to learn more about how climate change is affecting our world, then don't miss this chance to win your copy! 
Click here for more information. 
If you are older than 18, read all about the Short Story Competition run by the Commonwealth Foundation.
Taking Part
The Essay Competition has now closed.
Thank you to everyone who took part. Results will be announced in August/September.
The essay topics for 2010 are based around this year's Commonwealth theme: Science, Technology and Society.
The Competition is split into four different age Classes. If you are entering the Essay Competition, you must be under the age 18. Please calculate your age on the 1st May 2010. Each Class also invites essays of different lengths. These word counts are listed below:
Click here to see Age Classes and Word Counts
Class A - 16-18 years (Born 2 May 1991 – 1st May 1994). Word count 1400-1750
Class B - 14-15 years (Born 2 May 1994 – 1st May 1996). Word count 1200-1500
Class C - 12-13 years (Born 2 May 1996 – 1st May 1998). Word count 500-700
Class D - Under 12 years (Born after 2nd May 1998). Word count 300-600
Please note: While under-18 year olds will be engaged primarily through their schools and youth groups, individual entries are welcome in all age categories, with a confirmation note from a parent or guardian.
Click here to see the Topics for all classes for 2010
1. What technological invention(s) would most improve life in your community?
2. The mad scientist.
3. What positive steps can you or I start to take to tackle climate change?
4. The day the computer started misbehaving.
5. "Science never solves a problem without creating ten more." (George Bernard Shaw)
6. An adventure in space.
7. What is knowledge? Who owns it? How can it best be taught or transmitted?
8. A 'eureka' moment.
9. Is your generation wiser than your grandparents' generation?
10. Welcome to my Utopia!