Staff:
Mr D Robertshaw
Mr D Watson
Introduction:
Economics teaches students to think logically and to use theories to understand how economies operate. At the centre of the subject is the question of how we divide up our scarce resources and how decisions resulting from this affect us all - in other words who gets what and why? It therefore studies all of society and the activities of various groups and institutions within it e.g. individuals, households, firms and the Government. Major issues such as unemployment, inflation, international trade, growth and the difficulties that the UK Government faces when trying to manage the economy, are also studied.
During the course at AS and A2 level, students have the opportunity to discuss issues such as:
* Should we pay to use the motorway?
* Would a Single Currency be good for Britain?
* Will house prices continue to increase?
All of these will be supported by theory but the emphasis will be on highlighting relevant, interesting and topical issues. Studying Economics will give students a good starting point for a career and a whole new perspective on everyday life.
Tom Harwood”I was a bit unsure when I started Economics because it was a new subject but I would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of doing A-levels. The subject content is very interesting as almost everything relates to everyday life and current affairs. Lessons are fun yet stimulating with many discussions and debates. This has complemented my other AS subjects. The staff are available for advice at any time and it helps because group sizes are not as big as some other subjects.”
Tom, AS Economics student
Skills:
There are no specific requirements for entry. Advanced level Economics requires a reasonable level of numeracy but it is not mathematical. The ability to see how one economic policy (e.g. low inflation) may affect other parts (e.g. unemployment) is crucial. This requires a clear mind and an ability to think and analyse logically. You must also be able to write good English. Equally important is an awareness of and an interest in current affairs. During the course, students will be expected to collect and use information from many sources, the world wide web and their own experience. Students will develop:
* Analytical and problem solving skills
* Numerical and computing skills
* Communication skills
* Political awareness
Subject Content:
AS:…………Unit 1 - Markets and Market Failure
AS:…………Unit 2 - The National Economy
A2:…………Unit 3 - Business Economics and The Distribution of Income
A2:…………Unit 4 - The National and International Economy
Subject Combinations:
Economics combines well with most other Advanced level subjects, including other social sciences, humanities, arts, languages and mathematics. An increasing number of natural scientists take Economics and do well in it. Combined with other subjects, such as Mathematics and Physics it can lead into engineering, and in the present climate Languages and Economics provide an excellent base for those looking to work abroad or in a company that has overseas links. Economics also combines well with Business Studies.
Career Progression:
Many students continue their studies in Higher Education where Economics or related subjects are an increasingly important component of many degree courses. Economics gives opportunities for careers in both the public and private sectors, in the UK and abroad. Jobs include working in the civil service, local government, banking, accountancy and management, investment and retailing, transport and communications. Economists are also found in other areas including manufacturing, systems analysis and computer science. In all these settings, employers value economics students’ understanding of decision making, their research and analytical skills and their experience of viewing problems in their national and international context.