Economics

Course summary

What determines the level of UK interest rates? What are the implications of BREXIT? Should the health service be provided by the state or the private sector? Do the activities of multinationals assist or hinder the development of poor countries? Why has the Chinese economy grown so quickly? It is an exciting time to study Economics. Many of the most important issues facing society are economic. Whether you are concerned with global warming or global trade, whether you are looking at the collapse of world financial markets or the collapse of your neighbour’s small business, you can’t get far without knowledge of economics. This course aims to stimulate your interest in how economies work – at personal, national and world levels. Our approach to economics is to apply economic theory to support analysis of current economic problems and issues and to encourage you to appreciate the interrelationships between microeconomics and macroeconomics. We provide engaging and up-to-date content in lessons so that you can relate what you are learning to the world around you – locally, nationally and globally. You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions. You will also have the opportunity to engage in debate and discussion with fellow pupils. Economics has become increasingly quantitative and you will be expected in lessons to use and interpret graphs, tables, bar charts, pie charts and composite indicators. You will also be required to calculate index numbers and elasticity along with marginal cost/revenue and utility calculations.