The judging process

Entry Details

Essays submitted for the Prize will discuss Australian politics or public policy. They might address such topics as Australia’s population, climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, water, asylum seekers, education, health, the state of the arts, etc.

These topics are just a guide: the choice of subject is up to the student writer. The judges want to see clear thinking, enlivened by a sense of passion about Australia’s future.

Entrants must submit an essay of no more than 2000 words.The closing date for the 2012 John Button School Prize is 5.00 pm on June 29, 2012.

The essay can be work undertaken to meet the student’s existing subject requirements, or an essay written expressly for the Prize. An individual school can enter a maximum of two essays.
 

Criteria

Judges’ decisions will be based on the extent to which the essay shows:

• Understanding of, and personal engagement with, the chosen topic • Understanding of processes of public policy making and policy change in Australia • Analysis of a particular issue in relation to the Australian political system • Use of evidence to support argument • Analysis and synthesis of ideas in construction of argument/s • Expressive, engaging, fluent and coherent writing.

Suggested length of essay: 1,200 to 2,000 words.

The Winner

The winner will be announced in August.

If you have any questions regarding the prize, please email admin@johnbuttonprize.org.au.