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Economics


Students in an Economics lesson

Economics is an exciting and dynamic social science which examines how individuals, businesses, governments and societies make choices, and is used to analyse a wide range of global and topical problems.

Economics teaches you to critically analyse arguments, data, and diagrams so it is suited to pupils who possess very good diagrammatic and written skills. An interest in current affairs and the everyday world is very important for students doing this course.

We follow the OCR specification.


Staff and facilities

The department is based in the new Woodsmoor building and enjoys three well-equipped, spacious teaching rooms. Each classroom has interactive whiteboards and multimedia facilities.

There are two full-time teachers and two part-time teachers in the department. The department has grown in recent years due to a significant increase in pupil numbers at A-level. We also train and develop associate teachers in the department from a range of universities.


The course

First Year

In Microeconomics we will discover how firms set prices and learn about the workings of free markets. Then we learn how markets fail, covering topics such as pollution, healthcare and education, together with an examination of how governments intervene in markets to correct market failure. This part of the course demonstrates how economics is related to many elements of our day to day lives.

In Macroeconomics we learn about the recent performance of the UK economy with respect to topical issues such as the credit crunch, the great recession of 2008 to 2009, the public debt crisis and Brexit while also considering how the UK economy fits into the wider global economy. We consider the relative importance of Macroeconomic objectives and how they support or conflict with one another.

Second Year

In Economics we ask questions such as:

  • Should the government be cutting its spending?
  • Should the government tax unhealthy foods?
  • Should university students pay tuition fees of £9,000 per year?
  • What should economists do about traffic congestion?
  • Should commercial banks ever be allowed to go bankrupt?

Economics teaches you how to analyse and think logically. So, while it has obvious applications to business and working in the public sector, it is also a natural complement to maths and science subjects. It requires students to analyse data and manipulate diagrams so it is suited to students who can think in a logical and scientific manner. We encourage students to develop as independent learners and critical thinkers, skills essential for university and the world of work. Hence we make significant use of IT, group work, discussion, debate and research based activities in our lessons.

There are three two hour exams sat at the end of the second year of the course. The first exam focuses upon Microeconomics and the second upon Macroeconomics. The third is a synoptic paper focusing on both Micro and Macroeconomic themes.

Please consult the Sixth Form Handbook (pdf) for further information


How useful will economics be to me?

Economics is very useful for those considering a career in government, business, finance, and a wide range of professions in the public and private sector. Economics teaches you to analyse so the skills you will learn are widely respected and valued.

It is well-regarded by the most competitive universities, including Oxbridge.


Who should study Economics?

As a social science, economics can be studied by students who favour either humanities, science subjects, or a combination of both. It offers Maths and Science students a broader academic portfolio with the same level of academic rigour. It also combines well with related humanities subjects such as Geography and History. You should have good extended writing skills and be comfortable with diagrams, numeric data and logical thinking.


Co-curricular activities

Student Investor

This allows pupils the chance to invest virtual money into stocks or other investment options in both the short and long term. Teams trade with others all around the country with the aim of increasing the value of their initial £100,000 investment.

Overseas Trips

Economics China Trip 2018

In 2017 the department ran its first overseas trip to Prague and in 2018 pupils embarked on a Study Tour to China.

Such trips provide pupils with the opportunity to visit local businesses and understand how other economies operate, consider the external factors affecting the country and its businesses and enhance their knowledge of globalisation.

Extra classes

The department also runs extra classes either during lunchtime or after school on advanced, interesting topics that we would not normally cover on the A-level course.

We also provide support for those applying to do related courses at university, including those applying to Oxbridge.


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