Economics
Economics is a contemporary, thought provoking and evolving subject. It is always in the news and is one of the social sciences: a group of subjects that study various aspects of human behaviour. The challenge of learning about something that exerts a significant influence over your behaviour and life should be given serious consideration.
Studying Economics at GCSE level will enable students to:
- know and understand economic terminology, concepts and theories
- use basic economic numeracy and interpret economic data
- use the tools of economic analysis
- express economic ideas logically and clearly in a written form
- apply economic understanding to current economic issues.
Students will follow the CIE IGCSE Economics (0455) course.
Year 10
In Year 10, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: The basic economic problem. The first section of the syllabus introduces the fundamental ideas and concepts that underpin the study of economics including the basic economic problem, factors of production, opportunity cost and production possibility curves.
Term 2: The allocation of resources. The fundamental principles of resource allocation are considered through the price mechanism in a market economy. The market forces of demand and supply, market equilibrium and disequilibrium, and elasticity form the core of this section.
Term 3: Microeconomic decision makers. The microeconomy is an important area of study, and the approach to learning taken here is through the role of the major decision makers: banks, households, workers, trade unions and firms.
Year 11
In Year 11, students will study the following topics:
Term 1: Government and the macroeconomy. Governments have different macroeconomic aims, and conflicts often arise between the choice of measures used to achieve them. Variables must be measured to consider the causes and consequences of change, and appropriate policies applied.
Term 2: Economic development. As an economy develops there will be changes in population, living standards, poverty and income redistribution. Therefore, the effects of changes in the size and structure of population and of other influences on development in a variety of countries are explored.
Term 3: International trade and globalisation. The importance of trade between countries and the growth of globalisation is explored. Principles such as specialisation, the role of free trade, the role of multinational companies, foreign exchange rates and balance of payments stability are considered.
Enrichment Opportunities
Clubs and Societies
- Economics Society
- External essay competition
Trips
- Mini assembly plant, Oxford
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Economics Department, email ps@kes.hants.sch.uk.
| Mr P Sheppard BSc | Head of Economics and Business |
| Mr ND Culver MA (Oxon) | Teacher of Economics |
| Mr MO Laverty BA | Business Coordinator, Teacher of Economics and Business |
| Mr SJ Ritchie BA | Teacher of Economics and Business |
| Mrs. A Sparkes MA | Teacher of Economics and Business |
