On Tuesday 12 November, King Edward’s School hosted the Institute for Economic Affairs (IEA) Sixth Form Economics Conference at the Ruddock Hall for an all-day event.
More than 160 pupils from local schools, joined 50 KES boys in Years 11, 12 and 13 to hear insightful talks on a range of economics issues.
Expert speakers covered a host of interesting topics, such as the rise of the sharing economy, the challenge of health care provision, and the factors that might lie behind the puzzle of the UK’s poor productivity compared to other nations such as France, Germany and the USA. Ralph Buckle, acting Director of Education, Outreach, and Programmes at the IEA, concluded the day with valuable tips on career planning and an insight in to the types of jobs open to economics graduates.
Ron Turford, Head of Economics and Business Management at King Edward’s School, said: “We are delighted that so many economists from various local schools were able to join us for such a thought-provoking and informative event.
“The perspective provided by the IEA allowed teachers and students to compare the arguments of different schools of thought. The talks challenged students to consider ideas that they would not normally encounter in their textbooks but which will be useful in broadening their horizons.”
King Edward’s School, International Baccalaureate Economics pupil, Varun, said: “It was very interesting to see how our economic topics relate to real world problems and to hear current research and thinking on productivity, health provision and the sharing economy.”
The event also proved beneficial for King Edward’s School Year 11 pupil, Nikash, who said: “The conference has really helped me to decide my options once I’ve completed my GCSEs.”
