A Level Economics

Overview of the course

The A-level Economics course covers both micro- and macro economics. Strong emphasis is placed on practical application of economic theory.

AS level: This course includes an introduction to economics with special reference to the economic problem of scarcity, pricing theory, government intervention to correct market failure, international trade, the problem of unemployment, inflation, balance of payments and exchange rates.

A2 level: This course focuses on more specific topics to apply the knowledge gained in the AS year. We focus on the allocation of resources, the labour market, long run cost and revenue, market structures, national income statistics, development economics and macro- economic policies. The A2 course is much more practical in nature.

How is the teaching adapted to suit the needs of Chinese students?

Because most students have never been exposed to western economic approaches, much effort is put into finding suitable articles from newspapers, magazines and the internet to allow the students to build their knowledge about economic events and how they are perceived and dealt with in different countries.

Class room discussions and group work is also emphasised. The aim is to teach students to criticise effectively and constructively.

Information from as many resources as possible is shared with students to allow them to understand that there are different views and solutions to economic problems and situations.

Resources

A vast range of text books are available and past papers from different exam boards have also been purchased. Teachers need only research these resources and compile their own PPTs and notes.

Other information

Before entering the A-level programme, Chinese learning style is orientated towards memorising factual information to reproduce in exams. It is therefore very important to develop their higher order thinking skills and their ability to think critically.

All teachers should try to bring practical events into the class room and encourage discussion and constructive criticism.