A Level Media Sky Academy Trip Schools Come Together to Debate the Future of the UK Economy in the Age of AI
On Wednesday 11 November, Sutton Valence School welcomed pupils from Oakwood Park Grammar School and Invicta Grammar School for an Economics competition exploring one of the most significant challenges facing the UK economy today.
Competing pupils were tasked with delivering an eight-minute presentation addressing the question: “Does the UK’s dependence on services make it particularly well placed, or particularly vulnerable, in the age of AI?”
The competition challenged pupils to apply their economic knowledge to a rapidly evolving issue, considering both the opportunities and threats posed by artificial intelligence to the UK’s service-dominated economy. Participants were encouraged to develop well-reasoned arguments, supported by economic theory and evidence, before presenting their conclusions to the judges and audience.
The event was judged by Mr Valdiny and Dr Merrilyn Groom, who brought a wealth of economic expertise to the competition. Dr Groom currently works for an economic think tank, having previously been a Teaching Fellow in Economics at the University of Oxford and worked at Australia’s central bank.
Beyond demonstrating their understanding of economics, the competition provided pupils with an excellent opportunity to develop their oracy, critical thinking and persuasion skills. Following their presentations, participants faced questions from both the judges and the audience, requiring them to think on their feet, defend their arguments and respond confidently to alternative perspectives.
The evening highlighted the importance of applying classroom learning to contemporary economic challenges, while developing the communication and analytical skills increasingly valued by universities and employers.
Our thanks go to Dr Groom and Mr Valdiny for judging the competition, and to all the pupils from the three schools who contributed to an engaging and thought-provoking evening of economic debate.
