Our Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics (PRE) department has launched a monthly essay competition for all senior school students, with prizes for the most insightful submissions from KS3, KS4, and KS5. This month’s question is inspired by Blue Monday on 20th January, often referred to as the most miserable day of the year – “Is happiness just chemicals flowing through your brain, or something more?”

Our PRE department are challenging students to engage with this profound question, drawing on ideas from philosophy, neuroscience, ethics, or even your own personal reflections. Does science have all the answers to what happiness is, or do we need to consider other perspectives?

Write a compelling response that explores the question (no more than one page).

Submit your entry to the PRE department (Humanities office) by Friday, 24th January 2025.

This competition is a fantastic opportunity to engage with a contemporary philosophical question and develop your skills in constructing arguments and critical analysis. Whether you’re an experienced writer, studying PRE or new to exploring big ideas, we can’t wait to see your submissions!