STAFF:
- Mr Niall McParland (HOD)
KS4 CURRICULUM
We currently offer CCEA GCSE Economics
The specification introduces key economic concepts, such as the basic economic problem and demand and supply. Topics include market forces, the financial services industry and managing personal finances. Students analyse how and why international trade and varying exchange rates can affect the UK economy. They also explore environmental, moral and legislative issues linked to economic activity.
The qualification encourages students to develop as independent learners with enquiring minds, and to develop transferable skills such as critical thinking and the ability to build arguments and make informed judgements. It provides them with a sound basis for their role as consumers, producers and citizens, as well as potential related study in the future.
Economics is a linear qualification: students take all the assessment at the end of the course. There are two external written examinations: Paper 1 is worth 60% of the overall mark and Paper 2 is worth 40%.
The specification has five content areas:
- Basic Economic Ideas
- Producing and Consuming
- Financial Capability
- Managing the Economy
- The Global Economy.
The content may be assessed in Paper 1 and/or Paper 2.
KS5 CURRICULUM
We currently offer CCEA GCE Economics
Economics addresses some of the most pressing questions that society faces today. It looks at the market and how it provides for society s needs and wants. It examines how individuals and businesses manage their resources, and the need for government intervention. The issues of regulation in the financial sector are investigated and global environmental issues and their potential solutions are reviewed.
Course Content
Topic: AS 1: Markets and Market Failure
Content: How market forces of supply and demand interact to allocate resources. Evaluating government intervention.
Format: Written examination =1 hr 30 minutes (80 marks) – Including short answer questions; one data response and one essay question
Weighting: 50% of AS / 20% of A level
Topic: AS 2: Managing the National Economy
Content: Analysing change in the economy using the basic aggregate
demand-side and supply-side policies to achieve macroeconomic objectives.
Format: Written examination =1 hr 30 minutes (80 marks) – Including short answer questions; one data response and one essay question
Weighting: 50% of AS / 20% of A level
Topic: A2 1:Business Economics
Content: Examining the number and size of businesses, and the level of
Contestability. Considering how firms grow by investigating organic growth, mergers and takeovers.
Format: Written examination 2 hours (90 marks) Including short answer questions, case study questions and one essay question.
Weighting: 30% of A level
Topic: A2 2:Managing the Economy in a Global World
Content: Investigating the significance of globalisation, international trade,
the balance of payments and exchange rates.
Format: Written examination 2 hours (90 marks) Including short answer questions, case study questions and one essay question.
Weighting: 30% of A level