Year 9 Global Studies | Power, Privilege and Modern-Day Slavery

In a recent Global Studies lesson, Year 9 students engaged in a powerful and thought-provoking debate activity exploring the question: To what extent does local action lead to global change? This session formed part of the broader unit on modern-day slavery, where students critically examine the scale and impact of this global issue and reflect on their responsibilities as global citizens.

Using a compass point activity, students responded to a series of provocative statements by physically positioning themselves around the room—choosing from ‘Strongly Agree’, ‘Agree’, ‘Disagree’, or ‘Strongly Disagree’ – and then justifying their stance. This dynamic format encouraged deep thinking, respectful dialogue, and a diversity of perspectives.

Below is a snapshot of the most thought-provoking statements:

Privilege and Power Demand Action:

Statement: People in more economically developed or politically stable countries often benefit indirectly from global inequalities. With privilege comes the responsibility to disrupt exploitative systems. To what extent do you agree?

• ‘Although I would like to do something with my privilege and power, it is still up to the individual’s moral obligation.’ – Sasha Juel-Smart
• ‘With great power comes great responsibility. If you have the power to make change, then make it positive.’ – Jasmin Srisathkurunathan

The individual is too small to make an impact:

Statement: Some argue that the problem is too large, complex, and systemic for individual citizens to make meaningful change, placing more responsibility on governments and corporations. 

• ‘Individual change when accumulated, makes global change.’ – Melisande Pitman
• ‘Although there should be a change, us as an individual can’t make a difference and maybe if everyone did there would be a difference but one individual cannot change what is happening’  – Hannah Dastyari
• ‘Although 90% of us disagree with allowing modern slavery to continue, only 20% of us are making a change. When 90% of us disagree and then all 90% of us make a change, all of our individual efforts would combine to change 90% of these issues.’ – Ruth Costello

This lesson not only deepened students’ understanding of modern slavery but also empowered them to reflect on their own roles as informed and active global citizens. By engaging in respectful debate and critical thinking, our Year 9 Global Studies students are developing the empathy, awareness, and courage needed to challenge injustice and advocate for meaningful change – locally and globally.

Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – Human Society and It’s Environment (HSIE)