Two QE Sixth-Formers have been shortlisted for the final of a prestigious national competition for student economists.
Akash Raja (pictured) and David Alam were amongst 500 entrants to the 2011 Royal Economic Society Essay competition and are two of just 17 selected for the final. Akash chose the essay topic Is the rise of China good for America and Europe? David chose An NHS free at point of access is unsustainable in the 21st Century and an alternative funding model is needed.
Announcing the shortlist, the judging panel commented on the high standard of the entries this year. The winner, who will be announced next year, will be awarded £1,000 and an engraved trophy.
Akash Raja also enjoyed success in the Quincentenary Prize competition held by St John’s College, Cambridge, which was open to all Year 12 students in the country. Akash had to write an essay of between 2,000 and 4,000 words on a topic of his choice from one of three headings: global warming; economic recovery; or centenaries. He chose the highly topical subject of Is there a future for the Eurozone? Although he did not win first prize, he was officially commended as one of the 14 short-listed finalists.