Economics

Subject Leader: Mr R Bottomley

Department Staff: Mr I Moffett

 

Students will commence a two year AQA Economics A level (7136).

No previous knowledge of Economics is required and courses are open to all pupils. A high level of literacy and numeracy is desirable. An interest and willingless to keep abreast of current affairs is invaluable.

The aim of the course is to assist you to appreciate the power of Economics as an important tool to analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of Government within it. The student will develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life. At the end of the course the student should be able to make some sense of the daily assertations of newspapers, politicians and special interest groups.

Students will be expected to acquire competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to the subject content and be familiar with the various types of statistical and other data which are commonly used by economists. They should be able to make relevant calculations from economic data and be able to interpret data presented in the form of index numbers. Examples of other relevant quantitative skills include: the construction and use of graphs and the application of statistical measures such as the mean, median and relevant quantiles.

Students will be encouraged to develop a critical approach to economic models and methods of

enquiry. They should appreciate that value judgements play an important role in economic decision making. They should understand the methodology of economics and the role of evidence whilst recognising that economics is a social science and that people’s behaviour is not necessarily rational or predictable. It is expected that students will acquire a good knowledge of trends and developments in the economy which have taken place over the past fifteen years and also have an awareness of earlier events where this helps to give recent developments a longer term perspective.

 

AQA (7136) Course Content:

 

Paper 1 – Markets and market failure.

Paper 2 – National and international economy.

Paper 3 – Economic principles and issues.

Method of A level Examination

 

Students will enter three 2 hour exams at the end of Year 13.Further details of the specification can be found on the AQA website.

 

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/economics/as-and-a-level/economics-7135-7136

 

Subject combinations

 

It is possible to combine Economics with a wide variety of subjects. Popular combinations on the Arts side would include Economics with any two from History, English, Politics, Geography or a modern or classical language. On the Science side popular combinations are with Mathematics and Physics or Mathematics and Further Mathematics.

 

Higher Education and Careers

 

All the above possible combinations are acceptable for entry to a degree course in the various Social Sciences (Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Politics) as well as Law, Business studies and other traditional Arts courses. Combinations of two sciences with Economics do not exclude science degree courses and are favoured for admission to combined courses such as Engineering with Economics or Mathematics with Economics. Economics is a required course in most professional training qualifications, including banking, accounting and insurance and A Level Economics in some cases gains exemptions from Intermediate examinations.

 

OCR’s GCSE (9–1)

 

Economics is about people and their economic choices. This course enables learners to appreciate we are all part of the economy and that economics relates to every aspect of our lives – from the decisions of individuals or families to the structures created by governments and producers. It will develop learners’ understanding of how economic issues affect choices about resources and markets and vice versa. OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Economics equips learners with the skills and confidence to explore how consumers, producers and governments interact in markets nationally and internationally. It provides a well rounded introduction to this subject and an excellent foundation for advanced study in Economics. By learning how to explain and evaluate economic problems and possible solutions, learners will acquire a way of thinking as economists and develop a logical approach to thinking and reasoning. By learning how to use economic data from a range of sources, such as tables, charts and graphs, learners will acquire the skills to make informed judgements and to communicate in a clear and concise way. Learners will benefit from these transferable skills in their further study and employment. 

 

Content layout

 

Introduction to Economics (J205/01)* 80 Marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper

 

  • Introduction to Economics 
  • The role of markets and money 

 

National and Int Economics (J205/02)* 80 Marks 1 hour 30 minute written paper 

 

  • Economic objectives and the role of government
  • International trade and the global economy 

 

For further information see OCR website

https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/economics-j205-from-2017/