Books published by publisher Independence Educational Publishers

With the rise in international trade, communication and travel, the world appears to be shrinking. While some people argue that free trade around the world is necessary for the economy, others believe the current trade rules allow rich countries to take advantage of workers in developing countries. This book looks at the impact of globalisation and the debate surrounding global trade. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

Social media allows us to share information, network with our peers and socialise in an online environment. This book explores the rise of social media from instant messaging and blogs to the advent of Twitter and Facebook. It also considers the dangers of social media, how it is used around the world, what we do online and how it can be used for positive causes.

While rough sleepers may be seen as the face of homelessness, in fact homelessness can take many forms. It also includes the ‘hidden homeless’: individuals and families living in temporary accommodation, staying with friends and family or ‘sofa surfing’. This book explores the causes and effects of this ever-present social problem, including information on young homeless people, the health of rough sleepers and the help available to those without a home. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapter.

One third (34%) of people say a degree-level apprenticeship would be better for somebody’s future career prospects than a university degree. This book looks at the UK education system – types of schools, the national curriculum and the different qualifications available (e.g. the difference between GCSEs and IGCSEs, A-levels and IB and apprentices verses university). We also consider what the classroom of the future might look like – are video games the answer?

One of the biggest issues facing our society is the challenge of achieving a healthy diet that is sustainable, but also provides us with optimum nutrition. Many people in the UK, and globally, believe that ‘flexitarianism’ is the answer – eating less meat and more vegetables. Some believe that going gluten-free is the solution, although others are sceptical of what could be classed as a fad with no real health benefits. This book explores alternative diets, considering the implications for those with chronic illnesses, the sustainability of meat-free diets and more.

In 2014 travel and tourism contributed US$2.4 trillion to the world’s gross domestic product and employment. But how is tourism changing? This book looks at how travel changes everyday life, the reasons why people travel and tourism in the UK. It also explores global tourism and sustainable travel, considering how you can be a responsible tourist and, indeed, whether this is possible without giving up flying.

Do distinctions between social classes still exist? What about social stereotyping? Does your social class affect the kind of education you receive? This book looks at changing social classes in the UK, social mobility and equality. It also considers issues such as the influence of social class on a person’s health, whether students from state schools should be given priority access to university places and the ‘digital divide’ in the UK.

The Internet is not just the Internet anymore. Products ranging from smartwatches and TVs to cars and fridges all use the Internet to connect our daily lives. This book explores the rise of the Internet of things, from the negative consequences of online technology to positive innovations. Articles include debate over screen-time for young children, online privacy and access to broadband. They also examine our digital future, looking at advancements in robot law and social applications.

With our planet’s resources dwindling, ‘sustainable living’ is an increasingly debated topic. In essence, sustainability is about balancing our lifestyle with Earth’s resources to keep the environment healthy and minimise our impact. This book looks at both issues and solutions, exploring our consumption of natural resources such as food, land and water. It also looks at how we can achieve a sustainable lifestyle, considering innovations for a sustainable future such as vertical farms and electricity-generating pavements!

The excitement displayed during competitions such as the World Cup show that British people take sport very seriously, yet only 21% of 5- to 19-year-olds take part in any organised sport outside of the school day. This book looks at young people’s engagement with sport as well as topics of debate including footballers’ salaries, equality in sport and the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs. The information comes from a wide range of sources and includes government reports and statistics, newspaper articles, features, magazine articles and surveys, literature from lobby groups and charitable organisations.

With obesity levels rising and less than half of the UK population consuming their recommended 5-a-day of fruit and veg, issues surrounding nutrition are increasingly in the spotlight. Ethical food choices are also a matter for concern - figures show that the food industry now generates 30% of total man-made greenhouse gas emissions and more people than ever are looking to sustainable, locally grown produce to fill their plates. This book looks at the issues surrounding nutrition, including nutrition and health, what makes a balanced diet and food labelling, as well as the debates surrounding ethical food choices, environmental impacts and organic food. The information comes from a variety of sources, including government reports and statistics, newspapers and magazine articles, surveys and polls, academic research and literature from charities and lobby groups; articles have been tailored to an 11 to 14 age group. Additionally, at the end of each chapter are two pages of activities relating to the articles and issues raised in that chapte