Cranford Review 2021

ECONOMICS
#
Economics
at Cranford
Economics is a real life subject and develops enquiring minds so students can relate what they
are learning to the world around them. The real world nature of the subject provides numerous
opportunities for students to explore and analyse significant issues such as inequality and poverty,
implications of Brexit and the need for sustainable development in the wake of global warming. Our students
are taught to examine the impact of the theories by eminent economists on the world and why they evolve
with the changing needs of society.
Economics helps students to develop an insight into current events happening nationally and globally. COVID
19 is such an event which has led to numerous economic implications nationally as well internationally
due to the interconnected nature of the world. This pandemic has taught us how Economic theories could
provide answers to the problems faced by society. The study of Economics is not only carried out through
in class learning but also through independent research tasks outside lessons. This became more evident
to the Economics department during remote teaching as a result of the lockdown. The year 13 students
carried out research tasks to assess government interventions such as the furlough scheme, ‘eat out to help
out’, stamp duty and business rates exemptions, and grants for the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.
An education in this context has required adjustments for staff and students alike. This year was used as
an opportunity to explore online resources to support our students. We adapted our curriculum to ensure
the students were able to have good learning experiences through the use of video clips and educational
documentaries. We made use of online teaching and learning tools such Kahoot and Seneca. The Kahoot
quiz activities were thoroughly enjoyable. Seneca was a useful platform which provided opportunities
for online revision with interesting tasks. KS4 students made good use of resources available on BBC
Bitesize and Quizlet in order to consolidate and strengthen their economics knowledge. Microsoft Teams
has been an effective platform to provide live lessons to the students. To track students’ knowledge and
provide quick feedback, Teams features such as interactive virtual white board, quizzes, and class note were
extremely useful. In order to support year 11 and year 13 with their next phase of learning, comprehensive
transition packs were provided virtually with a programme of enrichment activities, careers advice and
transition sessions during the lockdown. Feedback from students on remote teaching and learning was very
encouraging.
Upon their return to school, students were presented with enrichment opportunities to promote cultural
capital. These included Junior Economist of the Year Competition organised by the Royal Society of
Economics and FCDO Next Generation Economics Competition organised by the Foreign, Commonwealth
& Development Office. Students also took part in the Model United Nations (MUN) programme whereby
they brought their economics knowledge to assess contemporary economic problems.
This past year has taught us the valuable life skill of adaptability which will serve our students well not
just in their academic endeavours but in life in general.
Ramanpreet Kaur (Head of Economics Department)
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