How global citizenship can help future leaders progress

Pearson recognises that international schools serve students from many different backgrounds and contexts. Offering a broad range of humanities subjects matters. While some students enjoy Geography or History, others may be more interested in how the modern world works, particularly those who may later choose A-levels or IBHL in Economics or Business. These students still need a strong foundation in analytical thinking, research and extended writing during their middle-school years, especially if traditional History or Geography iGCSE/MYP is not the right fit for them.

This is where iGCSE Global Citizenship really shines as a facilitating and procedural pathway to AL/DP humanities and social science. The course is built around four engaging and highly relevant themes: technology, culture, global politics and economic development. Students explore real-world issues that they see and hear about every day, such as social media regulation, new technologies like drones and AI, and the political movements shaping and shaking globalisation. The curriculum is contemporary and thought-provoking. It is closely connected to current affairs, helping students make sense of the world around them.

Assessment is also designed with students’ development in mind. There is just one examination paper, and part of this is based on a Citizenship Action project, which students complete independently or as part of a group. This encourages responsibility, teamwork and independent learning – the key skills needed for success at A-level or the IB Diploma. In the exam, students write one longer essay and two shorter extended responses, exploring issues from different viewpoints and working carefully with source material. These tasks build strong critical thinking, analysis and writing skills.

In 2025, the examination paper focused on the following six themes:

1. Growth of women’s sport and gender equality
2. Cultural heritage, colonialism and restitution
3. Soft power and global influence
4. Global north and global south inequality
5. Renewable energy and sustainable development
6. Technology improving access to healthcare.

First taught in 2019, the course has been purposefully designed to prepare students for further study in subjects such as Economics, Business and other social sciences.

In short, iGCSE Global Citizenship gives students the opportunity to:

1. Develop independence and confidence as learners
2. Engage thoughtfully with the big global issues of our time
3. Build the skills needed to succeed at A-level and beyond.

Learn more about Global Citizenship

About the author

Dr Simon Oakes currently works for several organisations as an examiner, textbook author and education lecturer. Past and present examining roles for Pearson Edexcel include chief examiner for GCSE Citizenship Studies and International GCSE Global Citizenship, and principal examiner for GCSE and A-level Geography. He first started examining for Pearson Edexcel in 1994 and has also worked at a senior level with the International Baccalaureate and other UK awarding organisations. Simon has taught geography, social sciences and cultural studies in both school and university contexts. His PhD focus was the roll-out of online learning and working to remote Scottish island communities in the very early 2000s.