Information Book Just for Starters - Stockport Grammar School

ECONOMICS
We aim to:
Provide a stimulating and dynamic educational experience in our teaching of Economics.
In addition to providing high quality academic support, we aim to foster a sense of critical
thinking and discovery in our pupils, standing them in good stead for the challenges of A
Level study and higher education.
What staff and facilities are available in the department?
There are two full-time teachers in the department. One of our teaching rooms has a suite
of networked computers, enabling pupils to explore the considerable IT potential within the
subject. Both classrooms have interactive whiteboards and multimedia facilities. We are a
lead department in the development of the school’s online learning environment, Moodle.
What does the Economics course involve?
Economics is an exciting and dynamic social science which examines how individuals,
governments and societies make choices given scarce resources, and is used to analyse
a host of global and topical problems. We follow the OCR modular syllabus, for which
there is no coursework requirement. At AS level in Markets in Action we will analyse how
markets work, how markets fail, and apply our skills to topics such as the environment and
the provision of public services such as the NHS. In The National & International Economy
we consider the performance of the UK economy with respect to topical issues such as the
current recession and credit crunch, while considering how we fit into the wider global
economic picture.
At A2, we apply the skills developed at AS in greater depth, with more emphasis on analysis
and evaluation. In Transport Economics, we examine the role of transport in the economy
and the effectiveness of policy approaches, using the skills of microeconomics. In the synoptic
module The Global Economy we study a range of macroeconomic topics, ranging from
inflation targeting, the euro single currency, globalisation, and the economics of developing
countries. Economics requires students to analyse arguments, data, and diagrams so it is
suited to pupils who possess very good analytical, diagrammatic and written skills, together
with an interest in current affairs and the everyday world.
How useful will Economics be to me?
Economics is extremely useful for those considering a career in business, finance, politics
and a wide range of professions in the public and private sector. It’s real world application
means it offers Maths and Science students a broader academic portfolio with the same
level of academic rigour. It also combines well with humanities subjects such as History,
Geography and Psychology. Economics is highly regarded by the Oxbridge universities and
can be considered by students who hold ambitions to that end.
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