Pearson believes that the breadth of choice in humanities is important, given the wide range of different international contexts where International GCSE teaching and learning takes place. We know that many International GCSE learners will ultimately want to take A-levels in subjects such as Economics or Business Studies, with rigorous assessment objectives – which means they need middle-school study opportunities which build in progression. But not all international students want to choose Geography or History as their International GCSE subjects – so how else can our future economists and business-people develop the skills they need?
One answer is – the Pearson International GCSE Global Citizenship course. The curriculum is arranged around four engaging and exciting themes. These are: technology, culture, global politics and economic development. This is a contemporary curriculum with its finger on the pulse of current affairs. Students can study all kinds of cutting-edge issues, including social media regulation, drone technology and the new political forces which oppose and support globalisation. This is a course whose content fills news feeds 24-7.
Moreover, International GCSE Global Citizenship has a very attractive assessment model. There is only one examination paper. Part of this exam is based on a Citizenship Action project which students carry out individually or by participating in a group effort. This gives them a proper independent learning opportunity while also building in progression to independent learning for A-level or IB Diploma. The new course – with first teaching in 2019 – has been designed purposely with this pathway in mind. Students are required as part of their exam to write one long essay and two shorter pieces of extended writing, all of which require an issue to be explored from competing perspectives and views. The exam also requires them to work with source material which requires careful analysis and interpretation.
This course has so much potential – does your school or college currently offer it? To summarize: it offers learners the opportunity to (1) build independence, (2) engage with the big issues of our day and (3) develop the skills and capabilities needed to succeed at A-level.
Learn more about Global Citizenship here.
About the author
Dr Simon Oakes currently works for several organisations as an examiner, textbook author and education lecturer. Past and present examining roles for Pearson Edexcel include chief examiner for GCSE Citizenship Studies and International GCSE Global Citizenship, and principal examiner for GCSE and A-level Geography. He first started examining for Pearson Edexcel in 1994 and has also worked at a senior level with the International Baccalaureate and other UK awarding organisations. Simon has taught geography, social sciences and cultural studies in both school and university contexts. His PhD focus was the roll-out of online learning and working to remote Scottish island communities in the very early 2000s.
