Economics
The subject matter reflects the wide ranging, challenging, topical and relevant nature of economics, and the aim is to develop the ability to understand, analyse and convey economic ideas and relationships in literary, mathematical and diagrammatic forms and evaluate the likely success of economic models and theory. Given the above; and the opportunities for group work, ICT-based research and individual or small group presentations; economics is an ideal vehicle for nurturing and demonstrating key skills relevant to higher education and the world of work.
Teaching staff:
- Mr K Jackson (Subject Leader)
Educational visits:
- Masterclasses at local universities. They are usually a lecture-style session focusing on one aspect of topical economics. Masterclasses at The University of Birmingham and Aston University have been attended by students.
- Revision Conferences run by Tutor 2U.
- Conferences run by organisations such as The Institute for Economic Affairs.
Year 12
| Summary of curriculum: |
Economics is a two year, linear course. Students follow the content, although not exactly the same order, laid out in the Edexcel Advanced Level Economics A specification. Full details of the specifications, as well as much other useful information, can be found here. |
|---|---|
| Main topics: |
Theme 1: introduction to markets and market failure This theme focuses on microeconomic concepts. Students will develop an understanding of the nature of economics, how markets work, market failure and government intervention Theme 2: the UK's economy, performance and policies This theme focuses on macroeconomic concepts. Students will develop an understanding of: measures of economic performance, aggregate demand, aggregate supply, national income, economic growth and macroeconomic objectives and policy. |
| Assessment throughout the year: |
Common Assessment tasks will be conducted on a half-termly basis and an A Level grade (A* to E) will be provided to help measure and monitor the progress of students. These will follow the same format as examination questions. In addition, students will have further assessment on a fortnightly basis, again using the form of past examination questions. There will be an internal (mock) examination at the end of Year 12. |
| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
One of the ways you can support your son is to encourage him to use various media sources in order to gain further knowledge about current economic problems and issues. Access to a quality newspaper at home is desirable but there are a number of online newspapers available which at this moment in time are free to access such as The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Independent. Students are also able to purchase a subscription to The Economist magazine at a very special rate. This offers students a considerable saving. Students will receive a weekly copy of the magazine during term-time. This offer is available to all students, not just those studying economics. In addition, look for opportunities to apply what they have learned in everyday life, complete questions from past exam papers for practice and follow the advice given in their assessment feedback. |
| Able and inspired opportunities: |
There are many areas of economics that students can investigate further and develop an interest in. Subscribing to The Economist magazine (also available online) enables students to develop knowledge of topics areas linked to the A Level specification but also develop knowledge of areas of economics that are not covered by the specification. Students should be using Seneca (an online learning platform) to really strengthen their knowledge across all areas of economics: https://www.senecalearning.com/ |
| Useful websites: |
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Year 13
| Summary of curriculum: |
Economics is a two year, linear course Students follow the content, although not exactly the same order, laid out in the Edexcel Advanced Level Economics A specification. Full details of the specifications, as well as much other useful information, can be found here. |
|---|---|
| Main topics: |
Theme 3: business behaviour and the labour market This theme develops the microeconomic concepts introduced in Theme 1 and focuses on business economics. Students will develop an understanding of: business growth; business objectives; revenues, costs and profits; market structures; the labour market; and government intervention. Theme 4: a global perspective This theme develops the macroeconomic concepts introduced in Theme 2 and applies these concepts in a global context. Students will develop an understanding of: international economics, poverty and inequality, emerging and developing economies, the financial sector, and the role of the state in the macroeconomy. |
| Assessment throughout the year: |
Common Assessment tasks will be conducted on a half-termly basis and an A Level grade (A* to E) will be provided to help measure and monitor the progress of students. These will follow the same format as examination questions. In addition, students will have further assessment on a fortnightly basis, again using the form of past examination questions. There will also be an internal (mock) examination held during the year. The external examination consists of three papers:
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| How parents can support their son’s learning: |
One of the ways you can support your son is to encourage him to use various media sources in order to gain further knowledge about current economic problems and issues. Access to a quality newspaper at home is desirable but there are a number of online newspapers available which at this moment in time are free to access such as The Financial Times, The Guardian and The Independent. Students are also able to purchase a subscription to The Economist magazine at a very special rate. This gives students a considerable saving. Students will receive a weekly copy of the magazine during term time. This offer is available to all students, not just those studying economics. In addition, look for opportunities to apply what they have learned in everyday life, complete questions from past exam papers for practice and follow the advice given in their assessment feedback. |
| Able and inspired opportunities: |
There are many areas of economics that students can investigate further and develop an interest in. Subscribing to The Economist magazine (also available online) enables students to develop knowledge of topics areas linked to the A Level specification but also develop knowledge of areas of economics that are not covered by the specification. Students should be using Seneca (an online learning platform) to really strengthen their knowledge across all areas of economics. https://www.senecalearning.com/. |
| Useful websites: |
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