Sixth Form Prospectus - The British School of Bahrain

Economics
What is Economics about?
Economics and Business Studies are immensely popular subjects in further education and they attract
students with all varieties of backgrounds and aims. They are, however, very different courses and can
be both studied at the British School of Bahrain. The study of A level Economics also goes well with
Geography, Government & Politics, History and Mathematics.
The subjects covered in A level Economics and Business Studies very rarely overlap. Furthermore, the
nature of the courses is very different. Economics uses more mathematical techniques than Business
Studies. Business Studies is primarily a mix of accounting and finance, production, human resource
management and marketing; whereas Economics is concerned with how society sets about meeting
people’s demands for things they want to consume.
Perhaps without realising it, you encounter Economics everyday - deciding between a cup of tea or a
cappuccino. This decision can be explained using Economics, of course, it also embraces bigger issues
such as the current financial crisis, poverty reduction and the environment. Economic decisions and
activities impact on many different areas of society and on our own everyday. So Economics is all
around you, you can almost guarantee you will find an area that interests you.
Economics is a fascinating subject to study, as it helps you to look more deeply into the world around
you – how and why it functions as it does. It can also give you new perspectives on some of the most
pressing and challenging problems facing the world today.
Economics is with you for life. It is of help in understanding what is going on internationally and
domestically.
The aims of the course are to:
An A level in Economics will provide students with a critical understanding of the following:
•develop Economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues,
problems and institutions that affect everyday life;
•select, interpret and use appropriate data from a range of sources;
•analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of
government within it;
•develop a critical approach to economic models and methods of enquiry;
•study the national and international economy. You will develop an understanding of European Union,
China and India and the impact they could have on our future; and,
•study the social and economic impact of globalisation.
What skills are developed?
The course encourages students to acquire a range of important and transferable skills:
•Data skills - students will be expected to manipulate data in a variety of forms and to interpret their
results
•Numerical skills of analysing data, to interpret graphs and tables, identify trends and to be able to relate
data to Economic theory.
•Presenting arguments and making judgments and justified recommendations on the basis of the
available evidence. This requires a clear mind and an ability to think and analyse logically and to write
good English.
•Planning work, taking into account the demands of the task and the time available to complete it.
•Independent learners, to be able to collect and use the information from many sources, including
textbooks, quality newspapers, student journals, the internet and their own experiences.
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