Welcome to Economics

Curriculum area intent & rationale/department introduction

A-level Economics is an enriching subject that integrates skills and insights from politics, philosophy, history, and mathematics. The course is intellectually stimulating and equips students with "The Economist's Toolkit" to analyse everyday phenomena like unexpected price rises, globalisation, and trade wars.

To enhance their learning, students have access to online resources such as the Financial Times and are encouraged to participate in competitions like the Young Economist of the Year, which promote a deeper understanding of economic science.

As a department;

• We empower students to become confident and independent learners in Economics.

2. We are committed to nurturing potential. We believe in our students' ability to succeed and are dedicated to encouraging and supporting them to achieve their fullest potential and excel in their studies.
3. We offer numerous opportunities for students to critically engage with key economic concepts through in-depth discussion and reflection, ensuring they develop a profound and nuanced understanding of the subject. This interactive approach not only makes learning fun but also enhances understanding and retention of the subject matter.

Aims and values of the department

Our primary objective is to facilitate students' proficiency in Economics. The curriculum is crafted to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of Economics at local, national, and global levels. This is accomplished by ensuring that our lessons equip students for their forthcoming pursuits, whether in higher education or the professional sphere. We aspire to nurture self-assured and analytical students capable of discerning economic theory critically to derive logical and well-informed conclusions. Students are assigned independent and collaborative work in small groups and whole class settings. Moreover, we advocate for courtesy, respect, and tolerance among students as they endeavour to emerge as accomplished Economics scholars.

Our key objectives are to

• ensure students to comprehend economic concepts and theories through critical analysis of contemporary issues
• enable students to apply economic concepts and theories across diverse contexts while acknowledging their significance and limitations

We also underscore the significance of mathematical skills, although the pursuit of A-level mathematics for the study of Economics is discretionary. Furthermore, we place a high value on students' written and verbal communication skills, recognising them as not only pivotal but imperative for their prospective careers and overall personal growth.

Where next? Links to careers

Economics stands as a popular degree choice among global leaders and multinational organisations. As the second most financially rewarding field of study, it equips students with critical thinking skills and quantitative analysis methods essential for diverse career paths. The program presents an attractive option for students seeking to influence the policies and decisions of institutions like the NHS and local and national governments. Many graduates pursue careers in the private sector as investment analysts, statisticians, economists, and management consultants.

University courses: Economics, Economics with Business / Languages / Politics / History / Law, etc., Accountancy, Retail management/business, Business Marketing, Actuarial accountancy, Mathematics, International management

Apprenticeship Pathways: Accountancy, management, and commercial banking degree apprenticeships.

Suggested reading/curriculum enhancement

For A-level economics students, it is essential to have access to a range of literature covering fundamental economic principles, contemporary issues, and real-world applications. The following is a curated list of the top 12 books that meet these criteria:

1. "23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism" by Ha-Joon Chang offers alternative perspectives and challenges conventional economic thinking, making it a valuable resource for fostering critical thinking.
2. "Doughnut Economics" by Kate Raworth presents an innovative economic model that challenges orthodox thinking and is particularly relevant for students interested in sustainability and new economic paradigms.
3. "Economics for the Common Good" by Jean Tirole, a Nobel laureate, covers applied microeconomics and provides insights into real-world economic issues.
4. "GDP: A Brief but Affectionate History" by Professor Diane Coyle offers an excellent introduction to the concept of GDP and its role in the well-being debate, which is crucial for understanding economic measurements.
5. "Great Economists: How Their Ideas Can Help Us Today" by Linda Yueh provides perspectives on contemporary economic issues through the lens of historical economists, offering historical context and modern relevance.
6. "Misbehaving: The Making of Behavioural Economics" by Richard Thaler serves as an excellent introduction to behavioural economics, illustrating how human behavior often deviates from traditional economic models.
7. "Poor Economics: Rethinking Ways to Fight Global Poverty" by Banerjee & Duflo is an accessible book on development economics, providing insights into practical ways to address poverty.
8. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Professor Daniel Kahneman, a classic on psychology and decision-making, is essential for understanding behavioral economics and how humans make choices.
9. "The Great Divide" by Professor Joseph Stiglitz offers a critical look at globalisation and inequality, providing a comprehensive understanding of one of our time's most pressing economic issues.
10. "Capitalism Without Capital: The Rise of the Intangible Economy" by Haskel and Westlake explains the shift towards an economy where intangible assets are more valuable than physical ones, crucial for understanding modern economic trends.
11. "Dead Aid: Why Aid Is Not Working and How There Is a Better Way for Africa" by Dambisa Moyo
12. "Animal Spirits: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy, and Why It Matters for Global Capitalism"

These books provide a balanced mix of theoretical insights, practical applications, and critical analysis, making them highly valuable for A-level economics students.

Trips & visits

We aim to provide guided tours of the Bank of England and its museum, offering insights into financial history. Additionally, we plan to visit the political centre of Westminster, exploring the Houses of Parliament, Whitehall, and Downing Street. Our department also arranges visits to Economics Conferences and revision workshops organised by Tutor2u.

Department staffing

Miss Toure oversees the Economics department, teaching both branches of the subject. The department offers a dynamic curriculum that adapts to current national and global economic developments.

How can parents help?

Encouraging students to critically analyse economic theories and perspectives, and to form well-reasoned arguments, is key. This can be achieved by fostering a positive attitude towards activities such as reading newspapers, watching news channels, and following reputable economic blogs to stay informed about current economic events. Given the engaging and omnipresent nature of economics, parents should actively engage in discussions about current economic events and their relevance to their children's studies. This is essential for helping students apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations.