The Mourant Jersey Psychology Essay Competition, which is open to Year 13 pupils studying psychology either at A-level or through the International Baccalaureate, requires entrants to write a 1,000 word essay on a topic relating to mental health.
First prize in the competition is £200, with £150 and £100 to be awarded to second and third place. A £350 bursary will also be awarded to the prize winner to be put toward university visits, as well as a trophy.
The competition is now in its second year and Mourant have now committed to sponsor it for the next three years,
Mourant Jersey managing partner Daniel Birtwistle, said that the firm was ‘proud’ to partner with the Island’s schools for the initiative.
‘This competition encourages young people to talk openly about mental health and to share their thoughts and opinions, which is an essential part of developing an understanding and counteracting stigma,’ he said.
Mourant supports a number of initiatives in its international offices aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues, such as Mental Health Awareness Week and Men’s Health Awareness Week. The firm also has a number of mental health first aiders in its team.
The competition is due to be judged by an independent panel composed of Ruth Emsley, head of psychology at La Moye Prison, Michelle Vaughan, the principle educational psychologist, and Rachel Baxter, a senior adviser at the Education Department.
Adrian Moss, head of psychology at Hautlieu School, said that the competition would allow students to ‘demonstrate to employers or universities a clear interest and passion for the subject’.
Students interested in taking part should contact Mr Moss at a.moss@hautlieu.sch.je or their A-level psychology teachers.
