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  • Economics

    Are you curious about how the world works? Economics has the answer. It is the study of how we can satisfy our infinite wants, with the scarce resources available on earth.

    Why are there such contrasts between wealth and poverty in our world? How can we keep consuming goods and services while minimising the impact on the environment? What does the government do to improve living standards, reduce prices and reduce unemployment? How have globalisation and trade contributed to the Brexit vote and Trump’s election win?

    Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals and families to the structures created by governments and firms. The economic way of thinking can help us make better choices.

    Student resources

    The Google Drive, Google Sites and Clickview are only available for students and teachers of Aylesbury High School. The Google Drive and Google Sites contain all Google-based resources used in lessons. 

    AHS only resources AHS only resources

     

     

    Subject intent

    GCSE and A Level

    Economics is a subject which will be new to most students who take it. It introduces our students to some new ways of looking at the world and some new techniques of analysing what you see. The task of an economist is then to use this new language and perspective to interpret the world around them and contemplate big questions. Economics will make students inquisitive and want to understand how the world works.

    It is the study of how we can satisfy our infinite wants, with the scarce resources available on earth.

    Why are there such contrasts between wealth and poverty in our world? How can we keep consuming goods and services while minimising the impact on the environment? What does the government do to improve living standards, reduce prices and reduce unemployment? How have globalisation and trade contributed to the political climate, social concerns and the issues impacting on everyone, every day?

    Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families to the structures created by governments and firms. The economic way of thinking can help us make better choices.

    Of course, we also inspire our students to achieve fantastic academic results in their GCSE and A level courses alongside understanding the Economy, Finance, Business and building skills for life.

    Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11) course implementation, learning journey & assessment info.

    Course content

    Year 10 Year 11

    “How markets work” (Microeconomics)

    “How the economy works” (Macroeconomics)

    This link takes you to the AQA specification, which contains all the necessary course information. Assessments take place throughout the 2 years of the course, in addition to Year 10 exams and mocks in the spring term of Year 11. 

    How will I be assessed?

    The following summary is based upon students doing the Higher papers. 

    Paper 1 How markets work – 50% Reading 25%

    Written exam 1hr 45 mins

    • Section A: 10 multiple choice questions followed by a range of calculation, short and extended response questions.
    • Section B: five questions involving a mix of calculations, short and extended responses.

    Written exam – 1 hr 45 mins

    • Section A: 10 multiple choice questions followed by a range of calculation, short and extended response questions.
    • Section B: five questions involving a mix of calculations, short and extended responses.

    Key Stage 5 (Years 12-13) course implementation, learning journey & assessment info.

    Course content

    Year 12 Year 13

    4.1.1 Economic methodology and the economic problem

    4.1.2 Individual economic decision-making

    4.1.3 Price determination in a competitive market

    4.1.4 Production, costs and revenue

    4.1.8 The market mechanism, market failure and government

     

    4.2.1 The measurement of macroeconomic performance
    4.2.2 How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, aggregate demand / aggregate supply 

    4.2.3 Economic performance
    4.2.5 Fiscal policy and supply-side policies

    4.1.5 Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly

    4.1.6 The labour market

    4.1.7 The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality

    4.2.5 Fiscal policy and supply-side policies

    4.2.6 The international economy

    4.2.4 Financial markets and monetary policy

    This link takes you to the AQA specification, which contains all the necessary course information. Assessments take place throughout the 2 years of the course, in addition to Year 12 exams and mocks in the spring term of Year 13. 

    How will I be assessed?

    Paper 1: Markets and market failure – 33 1/3 % Paper 2: National and international economy - 33 1/3 % Paper 3: Economic principles and issues – 33 1/3 %

    Written exam – 2hrs

    • Section A: data response questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two contexts 
    • Section B: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from three 

    Written exam – 2hrs

    • Section A: data response questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two contexts 
    • Section B: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from three 

    Written exam – 2hrs

    • Section A: multiple choice questions 
    • Section B: case study questions requiring written answers

    Subject impact

    High quality teaching and learning in classrooms.

    Engaged learners.

    Strong academic progress and assessment outcomes.

    Feedback in Economics lessons

    This chart explains the types of feedback that students can expect to receive for work done in geography lessons/at home.

    Activity Types of feedback

    End of unit assessments

    Written feedback, with score/grade and www/ebi (what went well / even better if)

    Homework

    Peer assessment/teacher feedback in class

    Spot tests

    Peer assessment/teacher feedback in class

    Worksheet activities

    Self/peer assessment in class

    Google forms/quizzes

    Immediate Google feedback

    School values in Economics

    Boundless Aspiration Curious Engagement Resilient Bravery Selfless Generosity
    • Constructively embrace feedback to make progress

    • Read and research beyond what’s in the specification/exam

    • Play an active role in group work and class games

    • Show genuine enthusiasm for the subject

    • Challenge yourself

    • Try something new or something you find difficult

    • Contribute to class discussion, even if you’re not sure if you are ‘correct’

    • Support each other, e.g. in group work

    • Give kind but constructive feedback