Economics is not a strictly theoretical subject. It is a collection of historical trends and intuitive logic organized and generalized into more broadly encompassing theories that serve as tools to interpret and predict the impact of current events on the circulation of goods, services, and money. The approach Mr. Stewart used to teach Economics is very much based on understanding the logic behind the theories and gaining the skill to derive such theories through intuition. While memorization of terms are necessary, most of the learning comes from building a mindset or thought process to intuitively evaluate economical situations. While this approach may at first be intimidating, once you get used to the learning style, you will learn not only economics, but also how to think.

IB Economics will challenge your assumptions about the world and push you to think outside of the box. When you step into the class, you don’t just learn passively — you connect the concepts you learn with real-life events. This style of teaching is what makes Mr. Stewart’s class unique. As a recipient of the Western Faculty Entrance Scholarship and an incoming first-year into the Western Medical Sciences program, I can say with utmost confidence that the critical thinking skills and work ethic built from Mr. Stewart’s class have enabled me to thrive. Having been very shy in Grade 10, Mr. Stewart has helped me develop the confidence to share my opinions in front of others. Not only have I become more engaged with world events, but the problem-solving and communication skills that I’ve built are something that I will carry with me forever.

I think I can safely say that at my four years at Bayview, no course has developed my analytical and critical thinking skills as much as my Economics class has. Economics does not rely on memorization, but rather, using logic and intuition to make deductions. Today, the way I interpret news articles and news broadcasts has been transformed; I am now able to grasp both the short-term and long-term implications of economic and social policies. Most importantly, my Economics class was where I made some of the most unforgettable memories in high school. From listening to "Is it Friday yet" every Friday to creating artistic masterpieces depicting unemployment, I will always cherish the moments spent in Mr.Stewart's classroom!

Economics isn't just a subject; it is a way of thinking. I am a 1st year medical student at the University of Ottawa and was privileged to be taught Economics by Mister's Best and Stewart while I was a student at Bayview Secondary School. The problem-based approach they emphasized in our classes empowered students to be independent, embrace uncertainty in analyzing real-life situations, and utilize various sources of knowledge to develop logical solutions. Through their guidance, I was able to develop an analytical, rationale-minded approach to understanding world issues and current political discourse; this mindset remains with me to this day, and will certainly be of great importance as I enter the field of medicine.

Economics is an unbelievable course, facilitating and nurturing a new way of thinking to approach and solve problems. Unlike some other subjects, where you learn passively, in economics, you use critical thinking and logic to analyze real-life situations, apply the concepts taught, and from there, decide on the best solution. As a second year student with a pre-acceptance into the Richard Ivey School of Business, I can say that this form of thinking has been beneficial in my classes. The Richard Ivey School of Business is well known for its case-based learning strategy, and I feel that the way grade 11 and 12 IB economics was taught by Mr. Stewart gave me the appropriate mindset needed to approach these cases. Apart from that, the analytical skills, decision-making abilities, and work ethic that are part of the DNA of IB economics at Bayview are of great importance, and can be applied to any field of study.

Mr. Stewart was my teacher for IB HL Economics throughout my time at Bayview Secondary School. I can say with conviction that taking his class was one of the best decisions of my high school career. While choosing courses for my junior and senior year at Bayview, I was unsure at the time whether history or economics would suit me best. I had taken one history course during sophomore year, so I had a basic concept of the topics and work that history classes would entail. Although I had a great experience with history classes at Bayview, I wanted a class that would provide me with great analytical skills, applicability to real-life scenarios/current events, and abstract, intellectual discussions. Taking a risk at the last minute, I decided to change my original plan in takingIB History to IB Economics instead. This decision would prove to be a life-defining one. Not only did I get everything I wanted in a high school course, I also developed a strong passion for the subject and even declared my major in Business Economics at my eventual post-secondary destination, UCLA. Even today, as a second-year student at UCLA, I draw direct connections to the teachings of Mr. Stewart in my university-level economics classes. I received course credit for two economics classes due to my IB scores and was expedited to the third course in that series. Despite entering an intermediate microeconomics class at UCLA without having taken the prerequisites, I was still able to rely on my strong foundation from Mr. Stewart’s class, achieving a rank within the top 15% of my peers and earning an A in the class. Additionally, IB Economics was responsible for sparking my interest in the financial industry. By knowing what my passions were early in my undergraduate career, I was able to be proactive about my professional development and have managed to earn various internships and other opportunities with investment banks and consulting firms as a second-year student. Ending with a few closing remarks, if you find yourself in the position where I was 4 years ago, don’t hesitate to explore and try out IB Economics. If you want a truly intellectually stimulating class, one that will provide you direction for the future, and one that will guarantee you enjoyable and memorable moments, IB Economics is exactly the course you are looking for.

"I am in my second year at Rotman Commerce working towards my specialist in Management. I was taught Higher Level Economics by Mr. Stewart for three semesters. His classes focused on the art of integrative thinking, a mindset that embraced intuition and making connections amongst variables in real life and in real time. I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to learn from such a knowledgeable mentor.

Economics explains why the world works the way it does; all you need is intuition. The critical and analytical skills you learn in IB Economics not only help you academically, but it also helps you understand current events going on in the world today. Mr. Stewart's teaching style of using news articles as case studies help you apply the knowledge you learn in class to real life examples. The skills I've learned from taking this class have served as a strong foundation for my studies at NYU's Stern School of Business and has shaped my approach as a Senior Financial Analyst at Novantas.

As cliché as it may sound, HL Economics with Mr. Stewart changed the way I think. See, Mr. Stewart doesn’t just teach his students economics; he makes them live it. He teaches in an indescribable way that intertwines theory with application and brings textbook material to reality.
Each lesson Mr. Stewart delivers is crafted in a way where students do more than thinking—they learn to think how to think. This metacognitive approach is paired with his proprietary Socratic teaching methods to make sure that his students are fully prepared to make a difference in the world, much less attain a simple 7 on the IB exam. More importantly, Mr. Stewart genuinely cares about his students. Our occasional class karaokes, impromptu colouring sessions, and group skits only scrape the tip of the iceberg. Mr. Stewart is the type of person to make sure that each and every one of his students is not only prepared for the IB exam, but for life in general. He’s the type of person who you’ll want to grab dim sum with after the IB exams, and the person who’ll be the reason why you would want to come back to visit Bayview.
And for HL Economics? It is by far the best course available to take in the Bayview IB program. The material you learn from this course will actually help in guiding the decisions you make everyday, from deciding what new brand of clothes you want to buy to your vote in the next election, as well as developing a framework for how you view global issues, from international relationships to poverty. The course will be an amazing adventure to embark on in your IB journey that will undoubtedly make the most impact for your future.
Take it from someone who, during his time at Bayview, was the President of Bayview DECA and Bayview FBLA and attained a 7 with ease under Mr. Stewart's guidance. Choosing HL Economics is the one choice you will make that you will never regret.

In my time as a student at Bayview Secondary School, few courses will have the lasting impact that HL Economics with Mr. Stewart has had on me as I push forwards throughout my post-secondary education. Rather than the traditional lecture teaching styles that are found in most classrooms, HL Economics has consistently pushed a different brand of teaching that focuses on class engagement and applied intuitive thinking. This applied intuitive thinking is one of the amazing aspects of economics here at Bayview because of how grounded it is in our everyday lives. Mr. Stewart achieves this by helping us translate the concepts that we see on our notes and PowerPoints in class into its applications in the current world around us. In fact, not only is HL Economics with Mr. Stewart an amazing economics course, but it is also an amazing life course where you will learn responsibility and work ethic that will carry on with you into university and the workplace. Although my program choice in University ultimately was not in economics, I know that the valuable critical thinking, analysis, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills that I have learned throughout this course will benefit me in every aspect of my life whether it is in the workplace or my personal life. Mr. Stewart will always push you to be your best and he is one of the most committed teachers towards student success that I have met. There was never a dull moment in the 3 semesters I had with Mr. Stewart, and I strongly urge whoever is reading this to seriously consider taking this course. It was 100% one of the best decisions I have ever made in my IB career. If you have already decided on HL Economics, or if you’re reading this during your first semester of economics classes? Great! Buckle up and enjoy the ride, it really will be an experience of a lifetime.

I had the privilege to learn IB HL Economics with Mr. Stewart as my teacher, over the span of three semesters. I can say without reservation that his classes were the most stimulating, engaging, and enjoyable classes I took at Bayview. The decision to take economics is one that had a meaningful impact on my success.
The study of economics is significantly more than just graphs and theory - it fosters a new perspective on the way we understand the world. Economics is the underlying mechanism behind so many government policies, public institutions, and personal choices.
Mr. Stewart’s unique problem-based approach to teaching allows students to apply economic theory taught on paper to real-life examples. This is perhaps the most influential part of his course; it has opened up my understanding of various events happening around me in the world, from local policies to international agreements to the pollution of global resources. His engaging classes truly establish intuition and logical thinking, two traits I believe are important to develop global-minded thinkers.
Every student can benefit from taking economics at Bayview. Mr. Stewart teaches analytical and critical thinking skills that can be applied to any field and direction. As a pre-med student at The Johns Hopkins University, I use these skills developed in his class to complete and excel in my course work in the sciences and maths. Additionally, the strong foundation I built in his class allowed me to receive credit for two university economics classes, propelling me towards an economics minor.
Beyond the classroom, I now see and recognize applications of economics knowledge in the news and in my own life. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn economics with Mr. Stewart as my mentor, and I am thankful that I made the correct choice to explore the subject.