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Coloma Convent Girls' School

Coloma C.G.S.

A Voluntary Aided Catholic School for Girls aged 11-18

Welcome to the Economics Department

Economics is a dynamic subject and much of our learning experience can be linked to current affairs. The use of broadsheet newspapers and supporting web sites are a key component of study, and this is enhanced by a number of trips to student conferences and seminars.

Successful students will gain an understanding of current issues. They will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to enable them to evaluate the decisions of governments and businesses, the words of the press and politicians, and comment on any aspect of human behaviour that affects the allocation of resources and the welfare society.

We aim to encourage greater knowledge and awareness of economic, social and business related issues. The subjects lends itself to academic learning with direct relevance to real life issues, and a solid foundation for a wide range of university and career choices.

Curriculum Content

Key Stage Three

Whilst Economics is not part of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 3, at Coloma we begin teaching the GCSE Economic Short Course to all students. This is detailed in the Key Stage Four section.

Key Stage Four

GCSE Economics (Short Course) - AQA Code: 4132 - Specifications

Course Content - What Will I Study

  • Money
    • The personal lifecycle as a framework to consider their needs and wants.
    • How these are likely to change over time and how they can manage their personal finances more effectively.
    • Basic economic concepts to help them make informed judgements, by weighing up costs and benefits.
    • The moral and ethical dilemmas that arise when making decisions to do with spending, saving, investing or borrowing.
  • Work
    • The rewards an individual can receive both in monetary and non monetary terms.
    • The market as an entity which determines prices.
    • Labour and how this determines the reward for work.
  • The National and Global Economy
    • Students will consider their role as a citizen in the national and global economy. Topics covered include:
      • International trade
      • Exchange rates
      • Globalisation
      • The power of the consumer

How will my progress be tested and examined?

There is one 75 minutes paper in three sections that covers each of the main topic areas. Students are asked to digest scenarios and answer questions based in context.

Progression - How will the study of Economics benefit students’ future education and career?

  • The skills developed in Economics will help students in all A Level subjects and in all jobs.
  • Students will improve and extend their communication, ICT and numeracy skills as a result of taking these courses and gain a wider understanding of the economic environments in which business operate and will provide an excellent foundation for any future career.
  • The subject lends itself to academic learning with direct relevance to real life issues, and a solid foundation for a wide range of university and career choices.