Full Time Economics

Economics

Why choose Economics?
It is an exciting time to study economics. Whether you are concerned with global warming or global trade, whether you are looking at the collapse of world stock markets or the collapse of your neighbour?s small business, you can?t get far without a knowledge of economics.
Many of the most important issues facing society are economic in nature. The economics courses aim to stimulate your interest in how economies work ? at personal, national and world levels. You will gain an understanding of economic ideas and their application to the real world.
Economics combines well with a large range of other AS and A level subjects: social sciences, humanities, sciences and modern languages. Within the same department, it is possible to study economics alongside AS or A level business studies or accounting. All economics students are taught by two experienced teachers who are specialists in their respective areas. Assessment is by examination available in June of the first year, and in January and June of the second year.
During your courses you will be helped to develop the essential skills toolkit of an economist:
· a knowledge and understanding of key economic ideas.
· The ability to apply this knowledge to the analysis of economic issues and problems
· The capacity to interpret and assess economic evidence supporting economic arguments.
This will enable you to judge arguments frequently aired in the media and the public debate.
The department aims to provide a variety of teaching and learning methods, including whole-class and small group work, discussions and debates. Regular workshops are held at which students can review their progress and seek additional assistance or advice from their teachers in meeting individual learning needs. A voluntary scheme pairs lower sixth students with upper sixth mentors.

Key Features of Economics at Hills Road:
· Modern purpose-built accommodation comprises specialist teaching rooms and a central open-access resources area.
· The subject is well resourced with the very latest textbooks and learning materials. Comprehensive study guides written by course teachers.
· Opportunities exist to use the department?s own suite of PCs. You will be encouraged to use the internet and the College?s intranet as sources of economic information.
· There is a possibility of entrants with AS economics progressing to the A2 course in Year 12.
Course Outline - (Awarding body: OCR) AS Level Units
The AS units provide an essential foundation in the subject by covering these core principles:
Unit 1: Markets in action. 50%
Unit 2: The national and international economy. 50%
Advanced (A2) Level Units
The two A2 units will allow you to apply these core principles to particular areas, allowing greater specialisation. These areas include:
Unit 3: The global economy. 50%
Unit 4: The economics of work and leisure. 50%
There is no coursework in Economics at AS or A2 level.
A level results for Economics
Resources and Facilities
· Teaching by experienced economics specialists.
· Comprehensive study guides written by course teachers.
· Access to the latest textbooks
· Suite of networked high specification computers in departmental open-access resources area.
· Full access to internet and intranet facilities.