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 to develops students as effective and independent learners. It asks students to use a critical approach to distinguish between fact and opinion, build arguments and make informed judgements, evaluate evidence, and develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to contemporary issues in local, national and global contexts.
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.
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.
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
