It has been 800 years since England’s unpopular King John signed the first Magna Carta at the behest of a group of rebel barons.

For 12-year-old Bermuda High School student Isabella Henderson, the occasion was a chance to reflect on one of the world’s founding documents of human rights. Her efforts were well received: Isabella’s submission to the English-Speaking Union took the educational charity’s essay prize, presented by the ESU’s Marian Jones.

“I thought it would be a good idea to write a modern version of the Magna Carter,” Isabella said — and her submission started with emphasising equality of opportunity.

She also suggested lowering the voting age to 16, and enshrining access to nutritious whole food as a basic right. The local branch of the ESU once held annual essay competitions, but the Magna Carta anniversary special came from the organisation’s headquarters in the UK, where the event was marked as a historic occasion.

“Nobody ever thought of human rights back in 1215,” explained Ms Jones. “Until then, the King could take whatever he wanted. This was where the change began.”

Bermuda’s ESU is looking to raise its profile and get more young people involved, including an upcoming initiative to take part in debates.

In the meantime, Isabella’s writing — which emerged after a month’s thought on the ever-evolving subject of human rights — landed her a $250 cheque.

“I’m going to go shopping,” she told The Royal Gazette. Other entrants will get recognition with a certificate of participation.