How do President’s Trumps tariffs impact the global economy? What does the falling birth rate mean for countries in Europe and Asia? Our A Level economics students came up with answers to both of these key questions in a work-related learning project set by Philip Shaw, Chief Economist of Investec Bank.
Philip chose these two topics as they are key issues that he is currently focusing on and are critical to the short- and long-term outlook for global economic growth. Students took a deep dive into how the Trump tariffs would impact consumers, firms and economies, analysing who might lose and who benefits. Other students examined countries such as Japan and China, analysing how recent low birth rates was impacting their economies and thinking about what that means for western economies.
Year 12 Economics student Jamie-Lee O’Doherty said, “This project helped to develop key skills of working in a team such as communication, collaborative skills and research skills. It also helped to improve presentation/public speaking skills in front of groups of people”. Andrew Shahu commented, “I was able to successfully collaborate with like-minded peers in a subject which I am passionate about”. Kashiffe Rockhead said “The project gave me the opportunity to learn how to view things from different perspectives. I also learned how to be critical of information, which I believe is an important skill”.
Philip Uglow, Teacher of economics at Bexhill College added “what an opportunity to experience economics in the real world with topical questions. This was the chance to deploy students’ theoretical knowledge, research and analysis skills learnt in and out of the classroom. Thank you Philip for setting this project for us. A fitting end to an excellent year for our students.”
