Economics

Reasons why you should study Economics at Sheffield Girls'

Economics is about people and their economic choices. This course enables students to appreciate we are all part of the economy, and that economics relates to every aspect of our lives – from the decisions of individuals or families to the structures created by governments and producers. You will learn how economic issues affect choices about resources and markets and vice versa. You will develop with the skills and confidence to explore how consumers, producers and governments interact in markets nationally and internationally. It provides a well-rounded introduction to this subject and an excellent foundation for advanced study in Economics.  

By learning how to explain and evaluate economic problems and possible solutions, learners will acquire a way of thinking as economists and develop a logical approach to thinking and reasoning. By learning how to use economic data from a range of sources, such as tables, charts and graphs, learners will acquire the skills to make informed judgements and to communicate in a clear and concise way. Students will benefit from these transferrable skills in their further study and employment.  

Economics degrees have been found to be the second most lucrative degree five and ten years after graduating (after Medicine), however studying economics will help with all career paths – whether in the private, public or charity sector. 

Taking your learning further by studying A Level Economics and going on to university could lead you to various fulfilling professions:  

• Actuarial analyst 
• Chartered accountant 
• Compliance officer 
• Data analyst 
• Economist 
• External auditor 
• Financial risk analyst 
• Investment analyst 
• Political risk analyst 
• Risk manager 
• Statistician 
• Stockbroker

GCSE Economics - Curriculum 

GCSE Economics is a two-year course covering both microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students learn microeconomics in the first year through covering introductory topics and the role of markets and money. They then switch to macroeconomics in the second year and cover economic objectives, the role of government, international trade and the global economy. 

GCSE Course Content Summary

Year 10 – Introduction to Economics 

In Year 10 students are introduced to fundamental economic terms and concepts. Students will apply these to investigate and explain how markets work in contemporary and historical economic contexts. They will study the different roles and perspectives of the main economic agents (consumers, producers and the government) and how they interact in the economy. 

Throughout the course of the year students will cover 

• Main economic groups and factors of production 
• The basic economic problem 
• The role of markets 
• Demand, supply and price 
• Competition 
• Production 
• Labour markets 
• The financial market 

Year 11 - National and International Economics 

 During Year 11 students will gain an understanding of the main economic objectives and role of the government in achieving them. Students will investigate the effects of economic policies on markets. They will use and interpret quantitative evidence, such as unemployment figures, in contemporary and historical economic contexts. They will learn to appreciate the importance and impact of international trade by analysing data such as quantitative information on exports and imports. 

Throughout the course of the year students will cover 

• Economic growth 
• Low unemployment
• Fair distribution of income 
• Price stability 
• Fiscal policy 
• Monetary policy 
• Supply side policy 
• Limitations of markets 
• Importance of international trade 
• Balance of payments 
• Exchange rates 
• Globalisation 

Super Curricular Opportunities 

 The department has an extensive super curricular offer. 

We run a trip to London in the summer of Year 10 to visit the Bank of England. 

We also offer a wide range of competitions and regularly achieve success at regional and national level. 

Currently we offer the following competitions 

• Girls are Investors – teams will be allocated a mentor from a London based investment bank who they will work with to analyse a business and make a recommendation over whether to buy, sell or hold shares in the business.  
• Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office Next Generation competition – an essay competition where students get to write about some of the biggest economic challenges facing their generation. 
• RES Young Economist of the Year – a national competition where students have to write about a current economic issue. 
• Wings of Hope Achievement Award – a fund raising challenge which aims to support schools for disadvantaged children in India and Malawi 

The Department 

Mr Coote has been a Head of Department for 20 years and joined the High School in 2014. He is a current examiner for OCR Economics and also quality assures examination papers. Economics students regularly success in competitions both at national and international level. 

This is an intro to the team in the department, and their experience in the subject / as an examiner for the relevant exam boards. Might include further background for the HOD.