This course is only available as AS/A2 in years 12 and 13

Course Content

Why are some people rich and others poor? Why do we worry about unemployment, inflation, the balance of payments, economic growth, the rate of interest, the value of sterling? Should the government interfere with activities of businessmen? What is globalisation? Why, each year, do the nations of the European Union destroy nearly ten per cent of their total output of food? Why do millions of children in less economically developed countries die of malnutrition and preventable diseases? Why are the world's rainforests disappearing at the rate of one acre per second? These questions are the focus of much national and international debate. To truly understand them a basic grounding in economics is essential. Economics is the study of the forces within human society that lead to the creation of material wealth. It explains how these forces work to benefit mankind and why sometimes why it is necessary to control them.

Learning Methods

The ethos of this course is investigation. Students are expected to show initiative and apply the ideas and theories discussed in class to economic and business events going on in everyday life. In class, students are expected to take part in activities such as listening, note taking and asking and answering questions. In addition they will be asked to give presentations to the whole group, take part in simulations and interrogate computer databases. As well as making use of textbooks for traditional study, students are encouraged to design pieces of research to test textbook theories and assumptions in the real world. Students are expected to undertake field research and to build up a portfolio of work for assessment.

AS/A2 Assessment:

Supported multiple choice, data response questions and essays (No coursework).

Expectations of Students

It is most important to have a lively and inquiring mind, an interest in business and economic affairs and a desire to explore new ideas and communicate them effectively.

Careers Implications

Students with AS or A2 Economics have developed transferable skills, including analysing and evaluating business and economic information from different sources, developing written communication skills and learning how to solve problems. Such skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers, universities and colleges. This subject leads to university courses in areas such as law, business, accounting, geography, economics or politics. Although the A level does not require a high level of competence in mathematics, anyone considering taking this discipline to degree level is advised to take at least AS mathematics.