FAQs for Global Citizenship

Q1. Who can I contact for questions about this subject?

A - Michael O’Shannassy (mos@gapps.uwcsea.edu.sg)

Q2. How might iGCSE Global Citizenhsip provide a foundation

for the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)?
A - In the broadest sense, our focus on the skills of critical thinking,
source analysis, clear communication and the development of
effective argument can be transferred and applied across all IBDP
subjects. More specifically, our units overlap significantly with IB
Global Politics - especially in terms of our early focus on
governance, sovereignty, human rights and development. There is
also some overlap with the Global Economics component of IB
Economics.

Q3. Is it difficult?
A - This really depends on the aptitudes and interests of particular
students. Students need to be comfortable with a course which
covers an extremely wide range of subjects - including politics,
economics, technology and different conceptualisations of
community and culture. Students also need to be prepared to
navigate a degree of uncertainty and nuance - this is a social
science, after all!

Q4. How are students assessed?

In-class assessments emphasise debate, individual/group
presentations, and other approaches to constructing and critiquing
oral and written arguments. Be prepared to debate and defend your
ideas! The course concludes with an external exam which is worth
100% of the “final” or “official” external course grade. Again, it is
very important to note that Global Citizenship is a relatively new
course. Consequently, we do not have an extensive bank of
previous examinations similar to other subjects. The 100% nature of
the final external exam can be a little daunting for some students
but this is the same situation as other IGCSE courses.

Q5. How will I benefit from this course?

Global Citizenship provides a myriad of chances to develop your
ideas and opinions on a wide and diverse range of pressing
political, social, economic, and environmental questions. It offers
numerous opportunities to develop your skills as a discerning and
critical consumer of media and information. Given the nature of the
contemporary world outside the classroom it will remain an
engaging and constantly evolving course, one that provides a
strong foundation with which to better navigate the ebbs and flows
of global political, economic and social phenomena and trends.