Economics

Inspiring 

Students are inspired by the relevance of the theories they study to the world around them. Current affairs and theory blend continuously across all aspects of the course.  Students are encouraged to read widely and make connections between events and the content they cover in class.  

Knowledgeable 

The examination of the following six real-world issues which are posed as economic questions provides the framework for the course at both GCSE and IBDP level: 

• How do consumers and producers make choices in trying to meet their economic objectives? 

• When are markets unable to satisfy important economic objectives—and does government 

intervention help? 

• Why does economic activity vary over time and why does this matter? 

• How do governments manage their economy and how effective are their policies? 

• Who are the winners and losers of the integration of the world’s economies? 

• Why is economic development uneven? 

Enquiring and caring global citizens 

Key fault lines are explored within the economic systems.  Both environmental, economic and social sustainability are discussed within a critical framework. 

Excellence in education 

High expectations are placed upon the students with respect to their precise use of language, both in classroom discussion and in their written work. Students are expected to concisely describe established theories, but beyond that, an emphasis is placed upon higher level thinking skills, including critical analysis and evaluation, and students are expected to frame their arguments in flowing, accurate written responses, as well as using quantitative techniques to inform the positions and support arguments

Lifelong Learning 

Students are encouraged to form habits of exploring media to link theory to current events.  The use of online learning platforms complement classroom study and show how the process of learning can continue beyond a formal educational framework. 

Concept-Based Student-led Inquiry 

Students carry out key inquiries throughout the course.  Each element contains at least one opportunity to explore a topic. 

Approaches to Learning   

Students are given options in terms of how they consolidate their understanding of the topics with a range of resources available from online platforms and through option reading across a range of texts. 

Approaches to Teaching  

Teaching strategy is focused upon inquiry, and informed by formative and summative assessment.  A variety of strategies are applied in order to engage and develop student thinking. 

Interdisciplinary Connection 

There are overlaps in content between the social sciences.  Human Geography ha strong economic elements, historical events happen in economic contexts.  The Paper 3 at HL is highly quantitative and mathematical insights prepare students for the nature of the student at a higher level.  An emphasis is placed upon their written work which transcends disciplines, and there are distinct links to TOK, with discussions about the nature of a science and the link between positive and normative economics. 

Literacy  

Writing concisely and with precision is a key element of assessment, and students have opportunities to develop these skills throughout the course.  Being able to read and summarise primary sources supports and develops the students’ reading comprehension. 

Numeracy 

Basic arithmetic and geometry is explored within the context of diagrammatic relationships across the specification.  Index numbers, calculus and correlations are all considered in the context of economic theory.

Purpose: How does the curriculum support a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academic development? 

A focus upon international-mindedness is at the heart of the subject.  All economic concepts are explored through a range of contexts.   

Environment: How is the curriculum adjusted to ensure all students can succeed? 

Students receive detailed feedback in private channels which allows a development dialogue to be established with a focus on continuous improvement.  Students coping well with topics are encouraged to use extra resources to deepen their understanding, students with a more fragile grasp of the topic will look to reconsider it using supporting video and online exercises available on the learning platform. 

Learning: How is feedback written into the curriculum to ensure that all students are set challenging goals? 

The private channels are a key focus for feedback, but self-reflection also underpinned development as “flightpaths” of performance are filled in and personal insights added at key stages in development. 

Students are assessed on Paper 1 and 2 questions in class and examinations to obtain information about their performance with respect to external examinations. 

Year 10 Curriculum Map

Purpose: How does the curriculum support a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academic development? 

A focus upon international-mindedness is at the heart of the subject.  All economic concepts are explored through a range of contexts.   

Environment: How is the curriculum adjusted to ensure all students can succeed? 

Students receive detailed feedback in private channels which allows a dev elopement dialogue to be established with a focus on continuous improvement.  Students coping well with topics are encouraged to use extra resources to deepen their understanding, students with a more fragile grasp of the topic will look to reconsider it using supporting video and online exercises available on the learning platform. 

Learning: How is feedback written into the curriculum to ensure that all students are set challenging goals? 

The private channels are a key focus for feedback, but self-reflection also underpinned development as “flightpaths” of performance are filled in and personal insights added at key stages in development. 

Students are assessed on Paper 1, 2 and 3 questions in class and examinations to obtain information about their performance with respect to external examinations.