Practical Ethics and Responsibility Competition 2024

We invited school teams from around the world from Years 11-13 (or the international equivalent) to take part in our fifth Practical Ethics and Responsibility video competition, by sending us videos about an ethical problem and how the teams think responsibility is involved. Teams from Africa, Asia, Europe and South America took part, and we received many outstanding entries. As in previous years our judges found selecting just four to go on to the Final a difficult job. However, we are delighted to share the winning videos with you, from the superb teams at Westminster School, the Laurels School and Royal Latin School, as well as seven excellent Highly Commended entries. 

All these videos can be found below, and on our Practical Ethics YouTube Channel.

We would like to congratulate all the teams who took part, who have so successfully demonstrated why an understanding of ethics is such an important aspect of navigating the modern world. 

The Schools Day: March 19th 2024

The four finalists competed against each other in our Practical Ethics and Responsibility Schools' Day, on March 19th 2024, where they took part in competition presentations and debates, had opportunities to discuss ethics with our researchers, and considered how to implement their new debate skills in future life.  

After excellent presentations and a rigorous debate the winners are The Laurels School team who received a cash prize of £250. Westminster School placed second, receiving £150 and The Royal Latin School placed third, receiving £50. 

2024 videos: Finalists and Highly Commended

Finalists

If very ill patients want to die, should doctors be held responsible if they help them?: Royal Latin School's Finalist entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Should the age of criminal responsibility be raised?: The Laurels School's Finalist entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

To what extent are voters responsible for the actions of the politicians they elect?: Westminster School's group 1 Finalist entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Are Russian soldiers practically responsible for their crimes?: Westminster School's group 2 Finalist entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Highly Commended:

Do we have a moral responsibility to tax the wealthy more?: Stockport Grammar School's Highly Commended entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Is a bad upbringing an excuse for crime?: Altrincham Grammar School for Boys' Highly Commended entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Who is to blame if an AI makes an erroneous diagnosis in the medical field?: CETYS Universidad High School's Highly Commended entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Is it ethical to perform gender reassignment surgery on individuals under 18, and who should be responsible for making such decisions?: Varndean College's Highly Commended entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

The Geo Engineering Option (examining its ethics and responsibility quotient): Dexterity School of Leadership and Entrepreneurship's Highly Commended entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition

Are junior doctors ethically responsible for jeopardising patient care during strikes?: St Ambrose College's Highly Commended entry in the 2024 PERC Schools Competition