Economics
Staff
Mr Donal O’Hagan. Bsc Econ; (London School of Economics and Politcal Science), PGCE; (Institute of Education, London.)
Aims
- to develop an understanding of economic ideas and to apply them critically to real life situations,
- to develop an enquiring mind about economics works from the personal to the global,
- to foster habits of critical thinking and engagement with the world,
- to realise the connection between economics, history and society,
- to challenge orthodox thinking and assumptions.
Key Stage 4
Economics is an exciting, highly relevant and optional subject. The GCSE course follows the CCEA syllabus and is split between microeconomics in Years 11 and macroeconomics at Year 12. The course explores many of the key ideas and concepts that are at the heart of economic life and the discipline of economics itself. The course is examined through two exams in the final year; one of which is based around a specific case study and the other which is formal two hour exam.
AS/A2
The A level course follows the CCEA syllabus and is organised into four modules:
AS Module 1 Markets and Prices
Module 2 The National Economy.
A2 Module 3 Business Economics.
Module 4 The Global Economy.
Assessment at AS is through a combination of data response and structured essay questions. At A2 it is through unseen case studies and essay questions with greater emphasis being given to analysis and evaluation. There is no coursework requirement and it is possible to re-sit AS modules in Year 14.
Careers
The subject is well regarded as a University entry qualification and goes well with other social sciences such as History, Politics, Philosophy and Sociology. Those who take it up come from a range of disciplines and it is a stepping stone to a wide range of courses and careers including Accountancy, Banking, Business Studies, Business Management, the Civil Service, Insurance, Journalism, Law, Politics, Stockbroking, Teaching and Lecturing.
Achievements
In 2011 James Thompson, came joint top in Northern Ireland at AS level.
Web links
For exam guidance at GCSE and A-Level follow this link
Economics
