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Congratulations to Giovanna, a Year 13 student at Westminster City School’s Sixth Form, who has been named one of the final runner-up winners in the Warwick Future Economist Essay Competition 2025/26, ‘run by the Warwick Economics Society in collaboration with Warwick’s Economics Department - ranked 1st in the UK in the Good University Guide 2025’.

Giovanna received a £50 cash prize, an achievement certificate, as well as insightful feedback from Warwick’s Economics department about the strength of her essay. We spoke to her about the experience and how she found out about the opportunity.

How did you hear about the essay competition and why did you apply?

“I heard about this competition from my Economics teacher, Mr Chaffey, who is the Faculty Leader of Enterprise and Social Sciences. I found it to be an exciting opportunity to research and learn more about topics that I find interesting!”

What was the competition about and what did you choose to write about?

“The essay competition was hosted by the Warwick Economics Society, called the ‘Future Economists Essay Competition’ of 2025/26. They offered a range of topic areas to choose from and my essay explored the question: ‘Can AI-driven automation solve the productivity puzzle in advanced economies, or will it create new vulnerabilities?’

“I chose to write about this since I am extremely passionate about studying the development of technologies such as generative AI, considering their impacts economically but also socially and politically.”

What was the process like?

“I really enjoyed researching and constructing my essay. At first, it seemed difficult to evaluate the wide range of information about AI, which I took as a challenging opportunity to critically engage with varying viewpoints and forms of data.

“I found it helpful to anchor my answer against an established framework known as the ‘Gartner Hype Cycle’, which discusses the long-term impacts of technological development in relation to investor expectations.

“A lot of time was devoted to re-reading and re-drafting my arguments to make sure that they were as clear, developed and within the word count!”

How does it feel to be a runner-up?

“It was exciting to have been chosen out of the many high-quality submissions. I dedicated a lot of work to this project, so I feel proud, but I am also very thankful for those who guided and encouraged me!”

Why did you choose Economics as an A-Level subject at Westminster City School’s Sixth Form?

“I chose to study Economics because of how relevant it is to many aspects of our lives. I believe that gaining insight into the economic functions of the world around us is very important, and Westminster City School’s Sixth Form specifically has given me many opportunities in the form of trips and activities that enhance this learning.”

What is it like studying A-Level Economics at Westminster City School’s Sixth Form?

“I really enjoy it! My teachers’ enthusiasm and knowledge for the subject is always reflected in their lessons, often inviting relevant real-world examples and discussions to help us understand and analyse challenging concepts.

“Their encouragement of debates and research projects on areas of our interest gives us the chance to critically apply our knowledge beyond the specification to relevant, grounded events and concepts.”

A Department Committed to Developing Future Economists

Mr Chaffey, Faculty Leader of Enterprise & Social Sciences at Westminster City School’s Sixth Form, explained the department’s approach to helping students to stretch themselves beyond the obvious.

“I don’t know if what we do is different to anywhere else, but we focus on a few things that make our course engaging and popular. We promote flipped learning, where foundational knowledge is explored independently prior to the lesson. We continuously explore outside the specification to promote global economic thinkers that reflect the diversity of our students.

“Retrieval practice and structured peer tasks are central to how we teach; this develops confidence and helps students articulate their argument. We also offer a strong extra-curricular programme, including visits to the Bank of England, London School of Economics (LSE), and collaborations with partners such as The Economist. All quizzes and tests are tracked and used to inform additional support.”

Giovanna’s achievement reflects her ambitious attitude and the strong academic culture within Westminster City School’s Sixth Form. Well done to Giovanna on this news! Click the link here to read her essay.