Young people face unprecedented challenges in the 21st century – not least in how they will come to terms with accelerating changes that will impact on their life chances and life choices.
The study of IGCSE Global Perspectives provides opportunities for enquiry into, and reflection on, these changes. The course places great emphasis on developing the thinking skills and attitudes that active citizens of the future will need.
Students explore stimulating topics that have global significance. They have to assess information critically and explore lines of reasoning. They learn to work collaboratively with others and to direct much of their own learning and develop independence of thought.
The syllabus emphasizes the development and application of skills rather than the acquisition of knowledge. Students will develop tansferrable skills that will be useful for further study and for young people as active citizens of the future.
This approach to learning aims to help young people develop independent minds, at the same time as developing their sense of community, from local to global. It reflects the thinking expressed by UNESCO:
UNESCO
This view of education is a matter of opening minds to the great complexity of the world and of human thought, and opening hearts to the diversity of human experience and feeling.
During the course students complete a minimum of two individual research projects and one group project.
In consultation with their teachers students choose to research into at least four Areas of Study from the following:
These research projects make up the Coursework element of the examination. In addition there is a final paper which examines students’ understanding of global issues by presenting them with source material and scenarios.
Global Perspectives is part of the Humanities Faculty and is currently taught by Mrs. Marija Ullman and Mrs. Amy Hurn.