One of the great things about studying Economics at Ashbourne is that students learn about real life, bang up to the minute Economic issues, such as the ‘credit crunch,’ property bubble and recession. They are expected to understand and keep up to date with the changing economic situation by reading newspaper articles and using relevant websites, such as government statistical web pages. Studying Economics should be about being interested and informed about the economy and everything we study is placed in the wider, real life context. There are regular classroom discussions, which encourage students to verbalise their knowledge and opinions. In addition, classes have an exam focus so that students continually, and from very early on, get exam question practice. Students also study the exam assessment criteria in an effort to improve their answer technique.
Why study Economics?
If you study Economics at Ashbourne you’ll be better informed, than the average person in the street, about the big issues, such as the ‘credit crunch’ and whether the recession will be a ‘double dip’ one. You’ll be encouraged to articulate your ideas and to distinguish between facts, bias and opinion. It will also give you more confidence in your personal finances because you’ll be more aware of the changing economic situation and how this affects your pocket.
Which syllabus do we follow?
We follow Edexcel specification for Economics
How many units are there?
There are four units in total: two at AS and two at A2
What is each unit about?
Unit 1
AS unit 1 is called ‘Competitive Markets: How They Work and Why They Fail.’ This unit introduces students to the study of economics. They consider what factors determine the demand, supply and price of goods, services and labour in a Market and start to come to explanations of why some markets fail. Students look at the ways that governments attempt to correct market failure and reasons why that often does not work.
Unit 2
AS unit 2 is called ‘Managing the Economy.’ Students look at how the performance of the economy can be measured and what kind of factors cause or constrain economic growth. They study the different macroeconomic objectives of governments and the instruments that can be used to put those objectives into practice and consider the ways in which macroeconomic policies and objectives might conflict.
Unit 3
A2 unit 3 is called ‘Business Economics and Economic Efficiency.’
Students study the role of firms within the market place. They look at such factors as revenue, cost, efficiency and profit. They investigate what determines the behaviour of firms, in particular the threat of competition and they examine the ways governments intervene in markets to maintain competition.
Unit 4
A2 unit 4 is entitled ‘The Global Economy.’ Students consider the causes and effects of globalisation. They will look at patterns of trade and the role of international institutions such as the World Trade organization. They will explore how international trade is recorded and financed. They will be encouraged to draw conclusions about the costs and benefits of globalization
How is each unit examined?
Unit 1
Students sit a one hour, 30 minute examination.
Unit 2
Students sit a 1 hour, 30 minute examination
Unit 3
Students sit a 1 hour, 30 minute examination
Unit 4
Students sit a 2-hour examination.
How is the course structured?
Students study unit 1 between September and December of the AS year. After Christmas they move on to unit 2. Students study for unit 3 between September and December of the A2 year, then move on to unit 4.
When do the exams take place?
Students sit units 1 and 2 in June of the AS year. There will be an opportunity to resit AS units in January of the A2 year. Students will sit units 3 and 4 in June of the A2 year.
Which Ashbourne teachers teach this course?
Brendan Casey
(BSc Hons (London School of Economics), BEd (Greenwich)
Accounts, Business, Economics (HoD))
Brendan is Head of the highly successful Economics and Business Studies Department. He is another long-standing member of staff, having been at Ashbourne for over ten years. Brendan is a graduate of the London School of Economics. He trained as an accountant and worked in the city before completing his PGCE at the University of Greenwich. Brendan is a lifelong supporter of Chelsea Football Club.
Mae Lynne McDougall
(MA Hons (Glasgow), PgD (Glasgow Caledonian), PGCE (Strathclyde) Business, Economics)
Mae Lynne has an MA in Politics from Glasgow University and an MSc in Business Information. She travelled widely then completed her PGCE and went into teaching. She has been at Ashbourne for eight years. Her interests include hockey and running. She has completed the London and Edinburgh marathons.
Beyond A Level for Economics students
Economics is a well respected A level, which can be a springboard into many courses and careers. Typically, students who have studied Economics may go on to courses in Mathematics, International Relations and Law as well as Business, Finance or Economics related courses.
Any other information
A degree of mathematical competence is desirable to be successful in this subject. An interest in current affairs and a readiness to read the broadsheet newspapers regularly would also be helpful.
Textbooks
AS
Title - A Level Economics for Edexcel: A Level
Author - Alain Anderton
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Level-Economics-Edexcel-Level-Student/dp/1405892285/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275405580&sr=1-1
Title - A-Z Economics Handbook
Author - Nancy Wall
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Z-Economics-Handbook-Complete/dp/0340991011/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275405512&sr=1-1
A2
Title - A Level Economics for Edexcel: A Level
Author - Alain Anderton
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Level-Economics-Edexcel-Level-Student/dp/1405892285/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275405580&sr=1-1
Title - A-Z Economics Handbook
Author - Nancy Wall
Web link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Z-Economics-Handbook-Complete/dp/0340991011/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275405512&sr=1-1
Other Resources
Unit 1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-AS-Economics-Competitive-Markets/dp/0340947454/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Unit 2
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-AS-Economics-Managing-Economy/dp/0340947985/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_a
Unit 3
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-A2-Economics-Business-Efficiency/dp/0340958162/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c
Unit 4
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Edexcel-A2-Economics-Economy-Student/dp/0340958154/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b
Websites & other resources
Economics Review
http://www.philipallan.co.uk/economicreview/index.htm
Economics Help
http://www.economicshelp.org/
Economics Network
http://www.economicsnetwork.ac.uk/teaching/text.htm
Tutor 4 u
http://tutor2u.net/ |
