In the past, it could be argued the study of economics had a bit of an image problem, seen as the domain of A-grade students and market analysts. The COVID pandemic, 24-hour-news-cycle, cost of living crisis and the 45th and 47th POTUS (President of the United States) changed all that.

To help our senior students understand geopolitics, and the clench it has on our hip pockets, the study of economics is irrefutably useful, says Mr Josh Naylor, Head of Economics at Newington. 

‘The challenge and opportunity of studying economics is to bring a real contemporary understanding of global affairs, such as the impact of President Trump’s latest trade tariffs on Australian imports, into the classroom. 

‘Economics strives to enlighten students to understand these interconnected relationships, their real-world applications, and how in reality they are impacting our students’ families. Like what does 13 consecutive interest rate hikes mean for the mortgage holders in your household?’ 

Recently, Newington Year 12 Economics students had the opportunity to hear from a leading industry expert, who shared valuable insights into the current economic landscape. These included the current challenges facing the RBA and the federal government as they navigate Australia through a volatile period driven by supply shocks, and other factors.  

‘This is one way we aim to take the posturing to the practical,’ Mr Naylor says. 

At Newington, Economics is taught from Year 9. In 2027, a new IGCSE Economics subject for Years 9 and 10 students will be available for subject selection. The Cambridge IGCSE is a two-year, highly sought after qualification for students aged 14 to 16 globally, and is graded from A* to G (graded). Newington’s inaugural IGCSE students graded exceptionally well in 2025 with three students achieving four A*. 

‘We have chosen to offer IGCSE Economics as it not only equips students with a contemporary understanding of the world around them, but the course offers genuine opportunities to build academic rigour,’ Mr Naylor says.  

‘Students are challenged mathematically as they interpret and analyse economic data, developing quantitative skills that are essential to informed decision-making. At the same time, their academic writing is stretched as they discuss and evaluate policy decisions, weighing competing perspectives, and considering the effects of global issues on individuals, businesses, and governments.

‘Our aspiration across all courses is to develop students’ ability to engage critically with the world as informed citizens and future professionals.’ 

Additionally, 2026 will see the long-awaited New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) syllabus update for Years 11 and Year 12 HSC Economics. At a time of life when many students are more concerned with getting through school than life after it, says Mr Naylor, how we ensure students, particularly those in the younger years, have a theoretical understanding, as well as a tangible understanding of economics, is an opportunity. In 2025, more than 25 per cent of Newington’s Year 12 cohort chose to study Business or Commerce courses at university. 

‘Even if students don’t choose to go down the commerce professional pathway, economics is a powerful subject that provides knowledge and insights which students will refer to all their lives.

‘Economics does not provide all the answers, but it does provide a useful framework for understanding how decisions are made, who wins, who loses, and why outcomes are often different from what we’d expect.’ 

Did you know?

• In 2025, Newington’s inaugural cohort of Cambridge IGCSE students completed the two-year, internationally recognised credentials in subjects including World Literature, Physics and Mathematics. A highly sought after qualification for students aged 14 to 16 globally, the Cambridge IGCSE is graded from A* to G (graded). Newington IGCSE students graded exceptionally well with three students achieving four A*. 
• Alongside its extensive cultural and wellbeing programs and co-curricular offerings, Newington students excel academically. In 2025, three Newington HSC students came first in their subject to achieve First in State in the HSC in 2025. Another seven achieved State rankings, and nine were named All-round HSC Achievers. 
• In the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which Newington is one of only two GPS schools in NSW to offer, four students achieved a perfect score of 45/45 and another five achieved 44/45.   
• Newington is a kind, caring, courageous school that empowers its students to develop Great Hearts, Inspired Minds, and Strong Wings. 
• In 2026, Newington welcomed its first girls in its two Prep campuses, Wyvern House and Lindfield Prep. Senior girls begin at the College’s Stanmore senior campus in Years 7 and Year 11 in 2028. To find out more, follow this link.