Economics
Curriculum Intent
We see Economics as an insight into how human societies function, and more importantly a way of thinking. It is far more than a dry study of statistics on abstract concepts such as GDP and Trade Deficits. From the very biggest issues that affect us all like Climate Change, to the reasons popcorn at the cinema is priced as it is, Economics is everywhere.
Since Economics has been running at Orleans Park we have experienced the Brexit Referendum, 3 General Elections and a once in a century pandemic. Economics never stands still and is always topical - nevermore than today.
Whether students go on to related study or work, or different fields entirely, we aim for all our students to have a better understanding of the world and the ability to ask the right questions.
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Key Stage 5 |
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Students will first encounter Economics in Year 12, and there are no requirements in terms of previous subjects studied. Economics is both a logical and analytical subject that requires you to communicate and apply concepts to situations. It is for these reasons that students must have both good English and Maths skills. We follow the AQA exam board. At A-Level the subject is split into two halves; Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics is the study of individual people and specific industries and goods. How do people make choices? What is Supply & Demand? How much should we tax cigarettes? Macroeconomics looks at the Economy as a whole. What is a recession? How do we reduce unemployment? What should the Government response to the Coronavirus pandemic be? The course is assessed 100% by three exams at the end of Year 13. One Microeconomics, one Macroeconomics and a Synoptic exam which brings everything together. Along the way there will be:
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Where can Economics take me?
Our students regularly go on to study Economics at University, as well as related courses like Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) and Business & Finance. A-Level Economics can be seen as a good grounding for studying Law due to its need to communicate complex situations clearly. Increasingly Science students take Economics to improve their communication skills and make them more rounded academically. Economics graduates are amongst the best paid, in careers ranging from Finance, Management Consultancy, Education, and the Civil Service.