During the course students will study the following:

  • Introduction to economics which includes the role of economic agents e.g consumers and firms and how they are interdependent.  It also considers the basic economic problem and opportunity cost.

  • Role of markets and money which considers the factors affecting demand and supply in both product, labour and money markets.  It also considers the influence of price, competition and production on markets.

  • Economic objectives and the role of government which focuses on the key economic indicators such as economic growth, inflation, unemployment and distribution of income.  It also considers the types of policy used by government to influence the economic performance and the limitations of markets.

  • International trade and the global economy which looks at the importance of international trade and the effects of globalisation on national economies.  It also considers the balance of payments and exchange rates.

HOW STUDENTS WILL STUDY

The course enables students to learn in a range of ways including essays, analysing economic data, completing research and presentations.  The focus is to develop students as strong independent learners who are capable of understanding and applying the economics concepts learned in the classroom to the real world.

The course looks at how markets operate, and how the actions of different economic agents affect them e.g. in terms of price and output.  It also considers the variables that influence national economic performance such as inflation, productivity and economic growth.  The new GCSE also investigates the policy options available to governments to reduce inflation, promote economic growth, reduce unemployment, and make markets work more efficiently.

DEPARTMENT STRENGTHS AND RESOURCES

The Economics staff have extensive experience of teaching the A Level qualification and GCSE Business.  The teachers will focus on improving students’ assessment skills and subject understanding to enable them to achieve their potential.

HOW STUDENTS WILL BE ASSESSED

Paper 1 – Examines the roles of markets and money in an economy and is worth 50% of the GCSE

Paper 2 – Examines the economic objectives, the policy options of governments and International Trade and worth 50% of the GCSE

Both are papers examined in the Summer of Year 11.

PROGRESSION ROUTES

Students can progress onto a range of Economics and Business related qualifications in the Sixth Form including:

  • A-Level Economics

  • A-Level Business Studies

The course allows students to move onto business related apprenticeships with an improved level of knowledge and understanding of the economy and its influence on organisations.

More info:

Head of Department:

Mr P Aston - Head of Enterprise paston@hswv.co.uk

Student Quote

 

‘I wish I had the opportunity to study the course at GCSE Level to give me an insight into the concepts I study in A Level Economics.’