AS Economics

AS ECONOMICS CIE 9708

Entry Guidance
This course is offered to those students who have achieved at least a grade B in IGCSE English, and if they have studied the subject, at least grade 5 in IGCSE Economics. Prior study is an advantage but not a requirement. The course requires a high degree of English language competency from the outset. Students must also have a genuine interest in Economics.

What the course leads to
A Level Economics gives access to a wide range of university courses, including majors such as Financial Economics, Operations Research, Statistics and Economics (MORSE) and Econometrics. It also provides an opportunity for students to develop their decision-making skills on how to allocate scarce resources more efficiently and effectively in their daily life.  Students who pursue Economics at university will be eligible to be employed in a range of fields, including banking, finance, insurance, construction, Government and many others.

Course Aims
Students develop an understanding of Economics by examining current issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life. They become equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable them to explain, analyse and evaluate the important factors involved within an economy.
 

The course enables students to develop:

• ​​​​​​​ An understanding of the factual knowledge of economics
• A facility for self-expression, not only in writing but also in using additional aids, such as statistics and diagrams, where appropriate
• The habit of using works of reference as sources of data specific to economics • The habit of reading critically to gain information about the changing economy we live in
• An appreciation of the methods of study used by the economist, and of the most effective ways economic data may be analysed, correlated, discussed and presented

Course Content
AS Economics deals with basic economic concepts, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention in markets, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation and the causes and consequences of inflation, as well as aggregate demand and aggregate supply, and macroeconomic policies.

Course Assessment
Students will sit two CIE papers in May/ June:

• Paper 1: Multiple-choice questions, worth 40% of the AS grade
• Paper 2: Data response and essay, worth 60% of the AS grade

Opportunities for Enrichment
Related Co-Curricular Programmes include the Model United Nations and investment analysis clubs. Students are encouraged to complete Extended Projects and video challenge in Economics.