Economics
Economics is about what makes the world work. It is the study of how society addresses the fundamental question of:
- What things do we make?
- How do we make things?
- Who should we make things for?
In other words, how do we satisfy everyone in a world of scarce and diminishing resources?
The course involves investigation into the major economic issues of the day. It will enable students to gain a much broader understanding of the world in which they live, and of how society functions. Students of economics develop extremely good analytical and evaluative skills, both of which are considered highly desirable in further education and in the workplace.
Economics is taught with a focus on real life issues and events. The examinations are all based on recent real life economic events and students investigate current economic issues. You will be encouraged to keep up to date with current affairs and to read independently. The ability to think and to argue is seen as desirable and you will be encouraged to develop your own opinions. For example, in Economics we will investigate current issues such as inheritance tax, public smoking bans, immigration and raising the school leaving age to 18 years old. Teaching time is set aside for discussion of a topical economic issue which helps students to apply economic concepts to the real world.
During the course there will be opportunities to attend conferences and master classes outside of the classroom such as at local universities and at the House of Commons. Economics is for any student who: wants to obtain an understanding of how real world decisions and policies are made; is interested in current affairs; wants to extend their knowledge of a social science; wants a highly-respected, non-vocational A level.
Course Details
Specification: OCR
Four examinations each based on a real life case study - 1 ½ hours - 2 hours long.
AS Level
F581: Markets in Action - 50% of AS - 25% overall.
Exam - 1 ½ hours - 60 marks.
F582: National and International Economy - 50% of AS - 25% overall.
Exam: 1 ½ hours - 60 marks.
A2 Level
F583: Economics of Work and Leisure - 25% overall A level.
Exam: 2 hours - 60 marks.
F585: The Global Economy - 25% overall A level.
Exam: 2 hours - 60 marks.
Entry Requirements:At least five GCSEs at Grades A* to C, including GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above.
READMOREBusiness Studies
Advanced GCE Level
Students who do best at Business Studies have lively and enquiring minds. They have an interest in business and enjoy exploring new ideas. They enjoy working co-operatively and have the ability to solve problems creatively.
Business Studies is a good preparation for either further education or for employment. It will teach you a range of skills, which will be useful in continuing study or in a real environment. Students of business studies develop the ability to solve problems and to apply theoretical concepts to real business scenarios. They develop good communication and team work skills.
The focus of the course is on using business theory to solve problems and to create strategies for real life businesses. This means in class you will be taught theory and will then be expected to work independently or in groups on business world as well as to write reports and essays. An interest in current issues, in particular business news is advantageous to Business Studies. With this subject there are opportunities to attend out of school conferences and activities.
In this course you may, for example, explore the marketing strategy used by a company and suggest improvements that could be made. You will examine how businesses use their workforce and plan their production and sales. You will also investigate the impact of the external environment on businesses and how they react to events over which they have no control.
Business Studies is a good subject to study if you are interested in the world around you and the role of business in modern society. It goes well with a range of different subjects and the skills you develop will be helpful across the curriculum.
Course Details
Specification: AQA
AS Specification:
Unit 1 Planning and Financing a Business
Unit 2 Managing a Business
The AS Course is assessed through 2 written papers (Unit 1 is one hour and Unit 2 an hour and a half).
A2 Specification:
Unit 3 Strategies for Success
Unit 4 The Business Environment and Change
The A Level course is assessed through 2 written papers (both of which are an hour and a half).
Entry Requirements:At least 5 GCSE's at Grades A* to C.
It is not necessary to have studied Business Studies at GCSE, but if you have then you must have obtained a Grade C or above.
READMOREEconomics GCSE
GCSE Economics is a fascinating course, it emphasises the importance of economic issues in a modern society and seeks to encourage the development of a basic economic understanding which will help to prepare students to play a full part in that society. It examines the role of producers, consumers and the government as they allocate and distribute scarce resources.
Economics is taught at Year 10 and 11 as a GCSE subject. GCE Economics is also taught as an A Level subject in the Sixth Form area.
This subject will be taught for the first time in September 2008. Teaching groups will be mixed ability.
Course content (Main Topics):
Basic economic problems and decisions
Market systems
Business behaviour
Market failure and policies
Macroeconomic policies and problems
Examination and assessment arrangements:
This qualification is available at Higher and Foundation levels
Higher
Written Paper 1: 2.5 hours= 80% of overall mark
Written Paper 2: Case study paper: 1 hour= 20% of overall mark
Foundation
Written Paper 1= 2 hours= 80% of overall mark
Written Paper 2= 1 hour: Case study paper= 20% of overall mark
Resources provided by school
Texts
Case studies
Revision sessions
Useful websites
www.aqa.org.uk
www.tutor2u.net
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