Options Booklet

Exams and Assessment Information • Two written exams, each 1 hour 45 minutes in length and worth 80 marks (each exam contributes 50% of final grade). For both exams, there is a mix of multiple-choice questions, calculations, short and extended response questions. • Paper 1 which is called ‘How Markets Work.’ • Paper 2 which is called ‘How the Economy Works. ’ What will I learn about? • How to use the economist’s unique ‘toolkit’ of skills and techniques to analyse current economic issues in the news • How consumers and businesses make choices • International trade, globalisation, world poverty and environmental issues • Understand interest rates and exchange rates in an economy • How to run an economy to achieve economic growth, low unemployment and a rising standard of living • How (as citizens, future taxpayers and voters), an understanding of these topics will prove invaluable and empower you as an individual ECONOMICS How will I learn? • Taking part in role plays, presentations and group activities to solve economic problems • Carrying out investigations into real, current economic issues, using ‘live’ economic data. You will carry out research, analyse your findings using your new economist’s ‘toolkit’ of skills and make recommendations • Making use of ICT and the internet for investigative work Where could Economics take me? • Economics GCSE provides an excellent preparation for your role in society as a voting citizen, and for working life in general. • It is useful for a wide range of careers, including law, finance, management, engineering, accountancy, economics, environmental sciences and politics. • In the Sixth Form you can continue to study A Level Economics and/or Business at A Level. Additional Costs and Entry Requirements • Students can purchase an e-textbook at a discounted price • There are no specific entry requirements for Economics GCSE but you should be aware that it is a challenging, academic course requiring a good level of numeracy and literacy Course Specification & further information • This is a full course GCSE from AQA (syllabus code 8136). More information can be found at www.aqa.org.uk . • Visit www.king-james.co.uk/business-social-studies • Other useful websites are: www.tutor2u.net/economics/blog AQA Economics 24