Economics

Teaching Staff and Responsibilities

Mr Bright: Subject Leader of Economics and Assistant Headteacher

KS5/A Level (Y12-13)

How do we organise teaching groups at KS5?

At KS5, classes are taught in option groups which are all mixed ability.

Which A Level specification do we prepare pupils for?

Edexcel A Level Economics A (9ECO).  Here is a link to the specification for more detailed information:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/pdf/A%20Level/economics-a/2015/specification-and-sample-assessment-materials/A_Level_Econ_A_Spec.pdf

What will my daughter learn at KS5?

Curriculum Intent

In developing our Economics curriculum, we want to ensure pupils are fully aware of the power of economics to permeate all aspects of modern-day life. Its principles provide students with analytical tools to interpret the world around them and to highlight all of the great challenges that face humanity – how to grow economies, tackle unemployment, grapple with environmental issues and explore economic issues such as: inequality, immigration, globalisation and how we should pay for public services.  The nature of the subject necessitates developing discussion of the potential effects of current issues such as Brexit and how it affects not only our economy, but our daily lives and future opportunities.

Our Economics curriculum aims to develop pupils’ skills of analysis and inquiry and their ability to think critically about the world around them; so that they are able to make informed decisions when making economic choices that relate to their daily lives. They examine in depth the effects of economic variables on everyday life for consumers, businesses and governments and develop a considered understanding of the real-world effectiveness of government proposals in affecting the behaviour of individuals.  We aim to develop essential skills such as analysing and interpreting data, building rational and logical arguments and making clear, convincing judgements. Economics combines both creativity and rational thought and students will confidently use a wide range of mathematical skills and balance these with strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

We aim to provide an enjoyable course of study that challenges and engages our pupils and enables them to perform well in their final assessments.  We aim for all students to maximise their potential in this subject and enable them to access their next step in life whether that is university place, apprenticeship or employment.

Year 12

In year 12 we teach:

Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure

Nature of economics, how markets work, market failure and government intervention

Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies

Measures of economic performance, aggregate demand, aggregate supply, national income, economic growth and macroeconomic objectives & policy

Year 13

In year 13 we teach:

Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market

Business growth, business objectives, revenue, costs & profits, market structures, labour market and government intervention

Theme 4: A global perspective

International economics, poverty & inequality, emerging & developing economies, the financial sector and the role of the state in the macroeconomy

The Examination

The A Level examination at the end of year 13 will comprise of three papers:

Paper 1: Markets and business behaviour

2 hours. 100 marks. 35% of A Level

Paper 2: The national and global economy

2 hours. 100 marks. 35% of A Level

Paper 3: Microeconomics and macroeconomics

2 hours. 100 marks. 35% of A Level

Are there any websites that will support my daughter’s learning?

https://www.senecalearning.com/

https://www.tutor2u.net/economics

Future pathways/careers

Economics pupils have a wide range of career opportunities open to them.

https://www.ucas.com/ucas/after-gcses/find-career-ideas/explore-jobs/job-profile/economist

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/economics