UK trade commissioner presents ISB economics lesson
By Nick Yates, ISB Communications
Grade 10 social studies students studying international economics are reflecting on a presentation from a very special guest – Britain’s Trade Commissioner for China.
John Edwards was kind enough to join the International School of Beijing (ISB) class via Microsoft Teams earlier this week, introducing the principles of trade between Britain and China. The students are working on an assignment to consider expert views on incentives to cooperate through trade, the resulting policies, and what costs and benefits there might be.
Gerrick Monroe, ISB’s Chief Operating and Financial Officer, also presented to the class on the business of education and how ISB cooperates with other international schools.
In addition to learning from some of the world’s best teachers, ISB students regularly hear from visiting experts. Recent guests have included moviemaking legend Zhang Yimou, artificial intelligence pioneer Kai-Fu Lee, New York Times editors, a top aerospace engineer, Olympians, authors, artists, and musicians.
ISB values real-world, interdisciplinary learning, with programs like this economics module often blending traditional academic subjects.
“Mr. Edwards and Mr. Monroe gave me real-life examples which I can apply my learning to,” said student Olivia W. “Although we have been looking at organizations worldwide that help with global development and economics, Mr. Edwards’ and Mr. Monroe’s examples seem much more relatable and closer to my life.”
Kelly W said she got a fresh view on China and made connections between things she learned in psychology relating to culture and the role they play in economics and trading.
ISB is an extraordinary school, made so by a tradition of educational excellence spanning 40 years. Establishing, nurturing, and growing such an exceptional learning community has been and remains intentional; we work hard to build strong relationships so our learning is at its best.