Minimum Grade Requirement:
Grade 6 in Maths, and Grade 6 in English Language
Assessment:
External examination at the end of the course.
Course Overview
Economics develops an understanding of key issues in the news that affect our lives on a daily basis. How does a change in the price of oil or sugar impact on us? What happens when exchange rates or the level of unemployment increases and why does this matter? How will the current government’s policies affect us? All of these questions can be discussed and related to economic theory. Decisions are made on a daily basis by individuals, businesses and government. Studying economics allows you to understand how these decisions are made, taking into account the resources we have available.
Real life situations are an integral part of the course. An interest in current affairs is essential to enable participation in class discussion. As a consequence, reading around the subject forms a vital part of the course. Reading the broadsheets and keeping up to date with the news will broaden your knowledge and support further development of your answers. Extended writing and numeracy forms a major part of the assessment of the course, so the ability to use numerical information and write essays is essential.
Students will study both microeconomic and macroeconomic theory to support their analysis of current economic problems and issues. You will be expected to have a good understanding of developments in the UK economy and government policies over the past fifteen years.
The knowledge and transferable skills acquired will enable you to think critically about issues and help you to form decisions based on thorough evaluation. You will be expected to support your judgements using both qualitative and quantitative evidence. You will have the opportunity to undertake visits and take part in competitions during your course of study.
Future Opportunities
The course will open up a range of opportunities that may include pursuing a career in accountancy, business or stockbroking; completing a higher level apprenticeship or entering higher education. Students who take Economics have completed degrees in Law, Accountancy, Economics, History and Politics to name a few.
Complementary Subjects
History and Politics.