Economics
Economics is an academically challenging subject providing an opportunity to study a range of crucial issues affecting the economy in an analytical and objective manner.
Our passionate teachers bring the real world into the classroom encouraging students to think creatively and apply knowledge and critical understanding to economic theory and current global, national and individual issues.
Economics students are resilient learners who are encouraged to have the confidence to defend their beliefs whilst also being open-minded about those of others. Through the development of analytical and quantitative skills students will be equipped with the knowledge, abilities and attitudes required in the modern workplace.
Key stage 4 (years 10 & 11)
Students follow the OCR GCSE syllabus with 5 hours of lessons per fortnight.
in Year 10 Microeconomics topics comprise
- Introduction to economics
- The role of markets and money
In Year 11 Macroeconomics topics comprise:
- Economic objectives and the role of government
- International trade and the global economy
Over the whole course students complete end of unit tests in class. Internal grade indicator exams are taken at the end of Year10 and a mock exam in December of Year 11. Final exams take place with 2 Papers sat at the end of Year11.
Key stage 5 (years 12 & 13)
Students follow the AQA A level Economics syllabus with 8 hours of lessons per fortnight split between 2 teachers. Key objectives are
To develop students knowledge and understanding in the following areas
- Operations of markets
- The distribution of income and wealth
- Market failure and Government intervention
- Macroeconomic performance
- Financial markets and monetary policy
- Fiscal and supply side policies
- The international economy
To develop students skills in the following areas
- Independent research to enable high quality application of real world scenarios
- Use of key economic vocabulary throughout the course
- Analysis of data to construct balanced written arguments
- Use of evidence to promote reasoned, informed debate
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of economic influences on key stakeholders consumers, producers and government
Over the whole course students complete timed questions in class and complete formative assessments on individual topics. Internal grade indicator exams are taken at the end of Year 12 and in January of Year 13. Final exams take place with 3 Papers sat at the end of Year 13.
Additional Opportunities
Economics offers opportunities at KS5 to
- attend the Cambridge Marshall Foundation Economics annual talk
- participate in a regional Economics debating competition
- undertake an optional trip to New York and Washington as part of the school calendar.