Economics

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.

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.

Clubs and Societies 

• Economics Society
• External essay competition

Trips

• Mini assembly plant, Oxford

If you have a specific enquiry for the Economics Department, email economics@kes.hants.sch.uk.