Economics - Business Studies and Economics
Economics is all about the real world, it is ALIVE and IMMEDIATE. The world we all live in and how this can be influenced. Although it is essential to understand economic theory this is learnt within its application to what is happening today! An interest in what is going on in the UK and the world, therefore, is a good starting point for students.
Economics studies all of society dealing with both the national and international economies and the activities of various groups and institutions within it It looks at the effects of competition and the difference between private and public sector provision as well as government policy, and how economics can help in creating an environmental policy, and topics such as inflation, unemployment, exchange rates, international problems and the European Union.
Although normally a Grade 'C in both English and Mathematics at GCSE would be expected it is more important that students are confident in handling numbers and in writing a coherent answer.
AS consists of three compulsory modules
2881 Module 1 - The Market System
This module introduces the idea of why economic choices have to be made and how the market operates.
2882 Module 2 - Market Failure and Government (Intervention)
This module uses economic principles to explain economic issues of current concern.
2883 Module 3 - The National and International Economy
This module is based on government objectives and policies relating to:
A2 consists of two modules and a synoptic paper:
2885 Transport Economics
This module allows candidates to use concepts from Modules ] & 2 of the AS course to focus on present day transport problems and issues.
- Demand and supply of different modes of transport
- Privatisation and deregulation of the transport industry
- Is it possible to devise an integrated and sustainable policy?
- How to deal with traffic congestion and pollution
2887 The UK Economy
This module allows candidates to use concepts from Module 3 of the AS course to focus on the recent economic performance of the UK.
- Recent UK performance and competitiveness
- The policies used to control and improve the economy
- Understand the different views on controlling the economy
- Conflicts and current issues. International issues including exchange rates.
2888 Economics in a European Context (compulsory module)
This module is synoptic in that it requires candidates to apply their knowledge of economic concepts and ideas within the context of European economic integration and the experience of the transition economies of central and eastern Europe.
All of this is dealt with through themes such as agriculture, EMU and wealth distribution.
Career and Higher Education
Anyone going into accountancy, banking, business or finance would find the course of direct application, while it would be useful for all professions such as the Civil Service, journalism, politics etc. There are many jobs for economists not only in the UK, but also in Europe and in international organisations.
Although not all economics courses at university require 'A' level, it does provide a greater range of choices, while anyone doing a course linked to a career mentioned above would benefit from 'AS' or 'A' level. In addition, many 'science' courses such as engineering and those leading to scientific management include economics in their university courses.
The course aims not only to teach economics, but also to develop all of the Key Skills for 'A' level students including IT, numeracy, communication - including presentations, problem solving, working in groups and personal study skills.
Target 2.0
This is a competition sponsored jointly by The Times newspaper and The Bank of England. It is aimed at pupils in Year 13 who are studying Economics. The target mentioned in the title is the desired rate of inflation and the role of the pupils is to decide how to control the interest rate in order to hit that target. The pupils present their strategy (in the form of a 20-minute seminar) to a panel from the Bank of England. The competition is a national one and the winners of the regional heats then go on to a final held in London. A first prize of £10,000 is awarded for the best presentation.
This year Durham School’s team of C. Parkin (capt.), B.Cheema, D.Reader, R.McGlasham and J.Mitchell meet every Thursday afternoon in order to prepare for the competition. They will compete against seven other schools in the regional final held at the Centre for Life in Newcastle on 24th November.
Business Studies & Economics
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Monitors' meeting
Wednesday, 07 January 2009
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Business Magnates in the Making
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