Economics (HL and SL)

Economics is a subject that changes every day and where we can debate issues that really matter to students, from university fees to why footballers are (perhaps) not overpaid!

Economics develops a wide range of skills including structuring an effective argument, cogent writing, quantitative skills, integrating theory and practice and, most of all, a spirit of enquiry about how the world works. Studying Economics will help students understand the issues that lie behind news stories, equip them for debate and help them see aspects of the world in a new – and possibly, more critical – way.

Course content

Students study macro- and microeconomics, international economics and the economics of development.

Standard Level	Higher Level
Standard Level students are presented with a common syllabus that gives a good grounding in basic economic principles based on real life examples.	Higher Level students develop themes, principles and ideas in modern economic science with a strong grounding in real life examples. A great grounding for students wishing to pursue Economics, Politics or Business Studies at university.

Assessment

Standard Level

Higher Level

Internal assessment

Portfolio of 3 commentaries based upon the SL syllabus sections. (30%)

Portfolio of 3 commentaries based upon the SL and HL syllabus sections. (20%)

External assessment

An extended response paper (based on syllabus content: microeconomics, macroeconomics and global economy) - 30%

A data response paper based on syllabus content – 40%

An extended response paper (based on syllabus content: microeconomics, macroeconomics and global economy) - 20%

A data response paper based on syllabus content – 30%

A policy paper – 30%

Enrichment

Visits to the London Financial district, attending Annual PolEconUK Economics Students’ Conference in Central London, Young Enterprise and BASE project.

Further study

An increasing number of students go on to study Economics and related courses such as Business,

International Relations, Politics and Philosophy at university. A recent student gained a place for Economics at Trinity College, Cambridge and current students are applying for LSE, Cambridge, Durham, Exeter, Bristol and Leeds, among other destinations.