GCSE economics courses at Ashbourne College London

Why study GCSE Economics

Studying GCSE Economics will help you understand why prices fluctuate, where taxes go, how government legislation can push people to change their spending habits (or not), why some companies dominate their market, how global or societal changes like climate change and ageing can have an impact on a country’s economy, why people fight for resources and why certain economies grow faster than others.

You will also learn how to analyse complex issues, think strategically, monitor the political climate, understand commercial incentives, problem solve, interpret statistics and data, explain your ideas clearly and be ready for any eventuality – all highly desirable and transferable skills.

GCSE Economics at Ashbourne

As a GCSE Economics student at Ashbourne you will examine everyday events and activities and discuss how and why they are shaped by economics. This helps to see the practical impact of economics and enables you to develop a theoretical understanding of the subject too. You are encouraged to keep up to date with current affairs to provide depth to your studies and are given plenty of exam practice to help you achieve the best results.

Over the course you will become more adept at analysing the world around you, articulating your own views and developing the skills to make better decisions for yourself.

Which syllabus do we follow?
Ashbourne follows the OCR specification for GCSE Economics.

What is covered in this course?

This course comprises two components: introduction to economics and national and international economics. In both components you are encouraged to evaluate the moral, ethical and sustainability issues that arise from economic activity.

You will be introduced to major terms, concepts and players in economics, begin to explore the role of markets and money, examine economic objectives and the role of government, and take a look at international trade and the global economy.

This component constitutes 50% of the exam.

You are introduced to fundamental economic terms and concepts and apply them to explain how markets work in contemporary and historical economic contexts. You study the roles of the main economic agents, how they interact, and the importance of financial markets.

There are two topics:

Introduction to economics
The role of markets and money

This component constitutes 50% of the exam.

You will develop your understanding of how governments aim to achieve economic objectives and the effects of economic policies on markets, as well as the importance and impact of international trade.

There are two topics:

Economic objectives and the role of government
International trade and the global economy

A Levels at Ashbourne

Exam Results and University Destinations

Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should I study GCSE Economics?
GCSE Economics helps you understand how markets work, why prices change, how governments influence spending, and how global issues like climate change affect economies. It develops valuable analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

2. What skills will I gain from GCSE Economics?
You will learn to interpret data, think strategically, evaluate policies, and explain complex ideas clearly. These transferable skills are highly valued in business, politics, and many future careers.

3. What makes GCSE Economics at Ashbourne unique?
Students apply theory to real-life events, examining how everyday activities are shaped by economics. With an emphasis on current affairs and exam practice, you gain both practical insight and academic depth.

4. Which exam board does Ashbourne use for GCSE Economics?
We follow the OCR specification, which covers both national and international economics.