Economics GCSE

The Curriculum Purpose

We aim to help students become the best students they can in Economics. The aim of our curriculum is to develop their understanding of Economics on a local, national, and international scale. We do this by ensuring that our lessons help equip students to enhance their next steps beyond the classroom whether to higher education or employment. We want students to be confident and analytical in their approach and be strong evaluators of economic theory so they can reach logical and clearly thought-out conclusions. Students are challenged to work independently as well as collaboratively in small groups or whole class situations. We also encourage students to be courteous, well mannered, respectful, and tolerant towards each other as they learn together in order to become successful Economics students.

Furthermore, through our teaching we support the social, moral, spiritual, and cultural dimensions Economics offers. As a department we provide a well-planned curriculum with lessons that aim to be interesting, challenging, and relevant so that students are fully engaged and successful learners.

Intent

• To support students in becoming confident learners in Economics.
• To encourage and support students in their learning so that each achieves the very best outcomes from their studies
• To provide opportunities for students to critically engage in their learning through discussion, reflecting on key concepts in the subject

 

Key Concepts in the Economics curriculum

Introduction to Economics

• Main economic groups and factors of production
• The basic economic problem
• The role of markets
• Demand
• Supply
• Price
• Competition
• Production
• The labour market
• The role of money and financial markets

National and International Economics

• Economic growth
• Low unemployment
• Fair distribution of income
• Price stability
• Fiscal policy
• Monetary policy
• Supply-side policies
• Limitations of markets
• International trade
• Balance of payments
• Exchange rates
• Globalisation

 

Key features of learning

GCSE Economics is taught by two highly experienced teachers, who also deliver the A-Level Economics course. Lessons are taught in one classroom to ensure resources can be effectively deployed. The department delivers an exciting curriculum that is constantly changing as national and global economic developments are taking place. Students are expected to make useful and relevant notes to support their learning. They are regularly given contextual examples, and are provided with the opportunity to participate through questions and answers, as well as the ability to offer display their subject expertise through student presentations on a range of economic issues.

 

What will you see in GCSE Economics lessons?

In lessons students are engaged and encouraged to fully participate in their learning. They work as individuals, in pairs, small groups and whole class. The department expects students to value their work through strong organisation. Notes should be arranged into topics as directed by the teacher and any additional worksheets are stuck into exercise books alongside the corresponding notes for the topic. Key vocabulary books are referred to each lesson with new terminology embedded into topic PowerPoints. PowerPoints are employed as well as news articles and video. Discussions are a key part of student learning in this subject and there are many opportunities for students to articulate their ideas and understanding verbally. Adaptive teaching methods are implemented in order to ensure learning is scaffolded and accessible for all students. Expectations are high and praise and encouragement are given to build confidence.

Homework tasks are linked to learning that has been completed in order to consolidated understanding and are also set to prepare the ground for student learning in upcoming lessons by reading ahead. Homework tasks are set on Show My Homework where resources and links are attached. Homework is submitted online and feedback and grading also provided online. In class teachers employ skilful questioning so that students can be stretched with targeted questions. Lessons are active and involve problem solving, analysis and evaluative exercises.

 

What will you see in GCSE Economics books?

Student books contain lesson notes, homework tasks, topic worksheets, knowledge organisers and articles from journals and newspapers which have been used in class or homework learning. You will regularly see DIRT feedback, green pen review, target grades and exam technique help sheets.

 

What formative assessment will you see in GCSE Economics?

Formative assessment in GCSE Economics incudes verbal feedback, peer assessment, use of mini whiteboards, hinge and targeted questions and key term quizzes.

 In addition, regular end of unit assessments are stored in class folders until revision time. After each assessment a full review of work is completed in green pen so that points can be developed, and misunderstandings explained. In this way we see feedback and review as essential in supporting learning which links back to our desired aim to support student learning, so student attainment is maximised. End of unit assessments are marked using the department marking policy and will allow students to work on targets during lesson time.

Examination experience is provided with a formalised Year 10 mock examination in the summer term. In Year 11 there is a further formal mock examination in November. Retakes are available when students do not reach their desired target grade. At the end of the course there are two examinations Component 1 - Introduction to Economics and Component 2 - National and International Economy

 

What extra-curricular is available in GCSE Economics?

The Economics department has links with the Bank of England where visits or visiting speakers can further enhance learning, understanding and interest. The department also organises visits to Economics Conferences and revision workshops organised by Tutor2u.