Power, politics and change

Economics is the language of power, politics and change. According to Burwood Girls High School teacher Leith Thompson, it's a subject with the power to address inequality, poverty, environmental sustainability and gender parity.

Thompson, who teaches economics, commerce and geography, says it is gratifying to open students' eyes to understanding this subject.

"Teaching a subject that helps to explain the world and gives students the tools to look differently at the world is very rewarding," Thompson says. "Our school motto, 'Not for ourselves alone', makes these issues even more of a focus for students." Globally relevant, the study of economics can also open the doors to rewarding international career options for students. Thompson is particularly keen to encourage girls into the traditionally male-dominated field. She says the barriers to entry for girls to the industry are numerous and include too few role models, insufficient networking and a need for more transparent information.

"I aim to make all students, especially girls, aware of possible career options that can stem from a study of economics, business, finance and mathematics," Thompson says. "Evidence and research suggests that strong mentoring and a networking program is crucial in the development of strategies to broaden career aspirations, particularly of female students. Empowering young women to be confident, independent, critical thinkers is the most important thing we can do." A member of both the national and NSW committees of WEN (Women in Economics Network), Thompson says networking and mentoring can make a big difference to students.

"I see this network as providing invaluable initiatives to promote economics as a career to female students at school and universities," she says. "Initiatives such as the Economics Society of Australia's Women in Economics Network that launches this March will also provide female students with those mentoring opportunities, networking and increased presence of female role models in the industry."

Thompson was recently awarded the 2016 Premier's Reserve Bank Economics Scholarship to further her knowledge of gender-inclusive, innovative pedagogy; she has been tasked with finding ways to advance female participation in economics.

In June, she will visit schools, universities and central banks in the US and UK where leading research and policy is being developed.

"The scholarship is an exceptional opportunity to move forward to more equitable balance between female and male students of economics," Thompson says. "It has also given me the opportunity to work with the Reserve Bank as they develop and enhance their role in economic education. Their commitment to diversity in economics and funding of the scholarship is a great start."

Thompson says schools such as Burwood Girls can provide the support and encouragement to all students to take on subjects like economics. "This way we will access the full demographic mix of students that represent our population," she says. "Economics will be stronger for it."