Wednesday 30 July 2025
We recently held the last meeting of the King’s College / Millfield School (UK) Economics Learning Group. Over five weeks during early mornings or late evenings due to the time difference between the two countries, eight senior students – four from each school - have been discussing global economic issues in what is a truly dynamic environment. These included:
- The impact of US Tariffs on comparative advantage and global trade
- Should the UK re-join the EU?
- Will Artificial Intelligence mean higher taxes?
- How do demographic changes in the UK and NZ impact long-term economic growth?
The last session was based around group presentations in which students looked at a developing country focusing on the economic indicators and challenges that they face both politically and economically. We talked for over 1 hour 15 minutes and both Anthony Shaw (HOD Economics Millfield) and I were suitably impressed by the presentations as well as the questions and answer session after each presentation. The meeting was also recorded so it can be used with students studying development economics – A2 level topic.
Students were very engaged, and we believe got a lot of value out of this five-week experience. We are proud of our students who have been involved in this international learning group - Ben Moutter (Year 13, Major), Harry Power (Year 13, Major), Reuben Smith (Year 13, Averill), Tabitha Snowsill (Year 13, Marion Bruce)
This is the third year of this initiative, and we are now looking to develop a Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) course for students which would take place over a longer period of time with more formal assessments.
Mark Johnston – Head of Economics