On Wednesday 2 July, thirty-four A Level Economics students attended the Young Economist Conference at Dulwich College, joining peers from other local schools including Charter East.
The day began with an engaging talk from Angrynomics author Erik Lonergan, who explored the link between politics and economic policy. This was followed by a presentation on international trade from Hope Perfect, a civil servant at the Department for Business and Trade. Charter students Freya, Isabella, and Otis contributed thoughtful questions and insights during the sessions.
In the afternoon, students worked in teams on a real-world investment challenge. Charter North students Zikra, Zahraa, Cameron and Mariam were among the top five groups selected from a highly competitive field. Judges praised their smart strategy and understanding of risk.
Former Charter student Chibi also took to the stage, sharing his journey into a Bloomberg Technology Degree Apprenticeship after earning an A* in Economics at Charter in 2024.
Student Isabella reflected on the day:
"I liked hearing from a current civil servant, who delivered an insightful presentation on the impact of trade on the economy. She explored the various factors influencing trade, consumption, and production, sparking thoughtful discussion among attendees.
During the conference, I spoke with Chinonye, a fellow Year 12 economist, who shared her perspective: 'The one thing that stood out the most was the investment challenge. It was a very complex task that pushed me to apply logical thinking in a real-world context.'
Overall, the conference was a fantastic opportunity to engage with current economic issues, develop problem-solving skills, and gain valuable exposure to the practical application of economic theory. I am truly grateful for the chance to attend and look forward to more opportunities like this in the future."