Interview with Aishay and Faisal on Their 2025 John Locke Institute Essay Competition
We’re excited to shine a spotlight on two of our remarkable students, Aishay and Faisal, who made us incredibly proud by taking part in the 2025 John Locke Institute Global Humanities Essay Competition. Their curiosity and passion for big ideas led them to explore thought-provoking topics and represent St Chris on an international stage.
In this interview, Aishay and Faisal talk about what inspired them to apply, what they discovered through the research and writing process, and how the experience has shaped their academic journeys. We hope their stories encourage other students to take on new challenges and embrace opportunities like this in the future.
Faisal Interview
Why did you decide to apply for the John Locke Essay competition?
I have loved History from a young age and I was excited to hear about the competition from Mr O’Shaugnessy while attending the History and Politics society last year. I thought the competition would give me the chance to showcase my skills and do some in depth work on parts of the subject that fascinate me. I was unsure of whether to apply as I was interested in a question aimed at senior students but everybody believed I could do it which gave me confidence!
How did you find the process of researching and writing the essay?
My essay was titled ‘should people be proud of their history’ which really allowed me to be creative and focus on my interests. I adopted a case study approach by looking at Germany, Japan and Iraq at key points in their past. Knowledge of the topics was easy as I already knew a lot but I learnt research skills and became confident in using different source types.
What did you do at the academic conference and awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony was a huge event and an amazing occasion where we wore formal dress, listened to speeches and had a three course dinner. It allowed me to meet a range of students from places like Romania, Lebanon and Hong Kong. I also got to listen to a speech on the power of negotiation from Tom Palmer, Chairman of the board of fellows at the John Locke Institute and got a picture taken with him.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
I really appreciated the chance to explore my interest in History beyond our curriculum at school and found the freedom to guide my own learning inspiring.
What impact has this had on you and why should other students consider getting involved?
I got the chance to understand the research and writing processes for an extended academic essay as well as learning key skills that will help me in the future such as how to academically reference. The competition has also given me the chance to increase my academic confidence which has given me a great platform to start my GCSE courses. Finally it is nice to get recognised for my work by such a prestigious organisation!
Alishay Interview
Why did you decide to apply for the John Locke Essay competition?
I saw the success of Fatima in last year's competition and was inspired to enter when I heard about the 2025 competition through the Key Stage 3 History Society. When I looked at the questions I found them really engaging and was excited to try and write a response to the question ‘why do people get more boring as they get older.’ Also as the competition is free to enter I saw I had nothing to lose!
How did you find the process of researching and writing the essay?
I found researching for the essay really enjoyable as it was a topic that inspired me to think about my life and family and whether this applied! It was hard finding resources and opinions but I managed to find examples I could use and once I started writing my answer flowed easily.
What did you do at the academic conference and awards ceremony?
The awards ceremony and conference gave me the chance to meet people from all over the world such as HongKong, New York, Canada, South Korea and Austria. I am still in touch with them now and I loved learning about their lives and schools! I went to a great talk from Stephen Pinker who was discussing his latest book ‘when everyone knows what everyone knows’
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
The chance to attend such a big academic event, we would never get something like this here in Bahrain! It was really enjoyable to hear new perspectives, meet people from all over the world and learn new things from the lectures.
What impact has this had on you and why should other students consider getting involved?
It really helped me with my social skills and I now have the confidence to start up conversations with people I have not met before.
It will be great for my CV and if you find Bahrain and St Chris too small you will get the chance to find out about the wider world and what is going on beyond your studies. I have also been given the chance to attend future academic events such as the summer school so I can build on my experience.