Economics

Economics is a growing subject at both GCSE and A level.

Introduction
KS4
KS5
Extra-Curricular

Economics is the study of how society copes with the ‘economic problem’ – the existence of unlimited wants and scarce resources. How do consumers, firms and governments make decisions regarding resource allocation? As a society, how do we decide who gets what? In these ways, we all make economic decisions every day of our lives, and in turn are affected by the decisions of other people and institutions. Economics is the study of these decisions and actions. The economics courses are designed to encourage students to consider the practical application of business and economic concepts. The units offer the opportunity to explore the theories and concepts in the context of events in the business and economic world.

Summary

The Key Stage 4 curriculum aims to engage in the study of 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 transferrable skills in their further study and employment.

GCSE Economics (current Year 11, examined in Summer 2024)

Specification Code: 8136
Level: GCSE
Examination Board: AQA

Year 10

Curriculum

In Year 10, students will study the following topics:

Unit 3.1 – How Markets Work

Resource allocation
Economic foundations
How prices are determined
Production, costs, revenue and profit
Competitive and concentrated markets
Market failure

Assessment

Paper 1 – How Markets Work
Written examination – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of GCSE

Further Resources

The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find economics resources.

Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 10 curriculum.

Tutor2U – helpful resource for students wanting to develop wider understanding of context and application of concepts.
Book – AQA GCSE Economics Students’ Book – helpful additional resource for students that would like a summary of the course content.
Newspapers/News – students would benefit from reading (or watching) the news from reputable news outlets, to develop a deeper understanding of context and real world examples.

Year 11

Curriculum

In Year 11, students will study the following topics:

Unit 3.2 – How the Economy Works

The national economy
Government Objectives
How the government manages the economy?
International trade and the global economy
The role of money and financial markets

Assessment

Paper 1: How Markets Work
Written examination – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of GCSE

Paper 2: How the Economy Works
Written examination – 1 hour 45 minutes – 50% of GCSE

Further Resources

The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find economics resources.

Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their study of this course during Year 11.

Tutor2U – helpful resource for students wanting to develop wider understanding of context and application of concepts.
Book – AQA GCSE Economics Students’ Book – helpful additional resource for students that would like a summary of the course content.
Newspapers/News – students would benefit from reading (or watching) the news from reputable news outlets, to develop a deeper understanding of context and real world examples.

GCSE Economics (current Year 10, examined in Summer 2025)

Specification Code: J205
Level: GCSE
Examination Board: OCR

Year 10

Curriculum

In Year 10, students will study the following topics:

Topic 1

Introduction to Economics
The role of markets and money

Assessment

Paper 1 – Introduction to Economics
Written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE

Further Resources

The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find economics resources.

Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 10 curriculum.

Tutor2U – helpful resource for students wanting to develop wider understanding of context and application of concepts.
Book – OCR GCSE Economics Students’ Book – helpful additional resource for students that would like a summary of the course content.
Newspapers/News – students would benefit from reading (or watching) the news from reputable news outlets, to develop a deeper understanding of context and real world examples.

Year 11

Curriculum

In Year 11, students will study the following topics:

Topic 2

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

Assessment

Paper 1: Introduction to Economics
Written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE

Paper 2: National and International Economics
Written examination – 1 hour 30 minutes – 50% of GCSE

Further Resources

The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find economics resources.

Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their study of this course during Year 11.

Tutor2U – helpful resource for students wanting to develop wider understanding of context and application of concepts.
Book – OCR GCSE Economics Students’ Book – helpful additional resource for students that would like a summary of the course content.
Newspapers/News – students would benefit from reading (or watching) the news from reputable news outlets, to develop a deeper understanding of context and real world examples.

Summary

The Key Stage 5 course aims at developing an interest in, and enthusiasm for, economics. It encourages students to appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment, and develop an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability to use those concepts in a variety of different contexts. It has a key focus on skills; students are encouraged to develop analytical and quantitative skills, together with qualities and attitudes that will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.

A-Level Economics

Specification Code: 9ECO
Level: A-Level
Examination Board: Edexcel

Year 12

Curriculum

In Year 12, students will study the following topics:

Theme 1: Introduction to Markets and Market Failure
Theme 2: The UK Economy – Performance and Policies

Assessment

Paper 1: Markets and Business Behaviour (9ECO/01)
External written assessment – 2 hours (7 questions, 100 marks) – 35% of A-Level (assessed at the end of Year 13)

Paper 2: The National and Global Economy (9ECO/02)
External written assessment – 2 hours (7 questions, 100 marks) – 35% of A-Level (assessed at the end of Year 13)

Paper 3: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (9ECO/03)
External written assessment – 2 hours (7 questions, 100 marks) – 35% of A-Level (assessed at the end of Year 13)

Further Resources

The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find economics resources.

Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 12 curriculum.

Tutor2U – helpful resource for students wanting to develop wider understanding of context and application of concepts.
The Economist (Newspaper/News) – students would benefit from reading (or watching) the NEWS from reputable news outlets to develop a deeper understanding of context and real world examples. The Economist is an excellent publication.
Economics Online – helpful website with lots of summaries about key concepts and graphs. Does also have up to date information on key indicators.
Economics Help – website which breaks down some key concepts.

Year 13

Curriculum

In Year 13, students will study the following topics:

Theme 3: Business Behaviour and the Labour Market
Theme 4: A Global Perspective

Assessment

Paper 1: Markets and Business Behaviour (9ECO/01)
External written ases– 2 hours (7 questions, 100 marks) – 35% of A-Level (assessed at the end of Year 13)

Paper 2: The National and Global Economy (9ECO/02)
External written examination – 2 hours (7 questions, 100 marks) – 35% of A-Level (assessed at the end of Year 13)

Paper 3: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (9ECO/03)
External written examination – 2 hours (7 questions, 100 marks) – 35% of A-Level (assessed at the end of Year 13)

Further Resources

The school has a subscription to The Day, an online news service for schools. Click the button to the right, then browse ‘Subjects’ in the top menu to find economics resources.

Please see below for a number of resources to maximise students’ progress during their Year 13 curriculum.

Tutor2U – helpful resource for students wanting to develop wider understanding of context and application of concepts.
The Economist (Newspaper/News) – students would benefit from reading (or watching) the NEWS from reputable news outlets to develop a deeper understanding of context and real world examples. The Economist is an excellent publication.
Economics Online – helpful website with lots of summaries about key concepts and graphs. Does also have up to date information on key indicators.
Economics Help – website which breaks down some key concepts.

We organise a number of activities for our students. These include:

Business Club (Pending Approval)
Big Idea Challenge – in partnership with the University of West London
Bank of England Excursion

Summary

GCSE Economics (current Year 11, examined in Summer 2024)

GCSE Economics (current Year 10, examined in Summer 2025)

Summary

A-Level Economics

Subjects

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