Higher Economics

The course looks at governments, businesses and global trade and their economic contexts. You will learn how to analyse economic data to find solutions to economic problems, and how to distinguish between facts and value judgements. You will develop the ability to analyse economic data from a range of sources in order to make informed decisions.

What's in the Couse?

Economics of the Market

You will develop your understanding of how to analyse the basic economic problem, and examine and analyse how demand and supply drives resource allocation and economic production.

You will look at:

The basic economic problem
Production possibility diagrams
Theory of demand and supply
Determinants of demand and supply
Price elasticity of demand
Markets
Production and costs
Market structures and market intervention

Assessment

Pupils will have an end of unit assessment that will sample questions from across the various sub-topics. This will usually be conducted a week or so after the end of the topic. Pupils will complete a "self-reflection" sheet prior to the return of the assessment; this will help aid pupil revision for the future.

UK Economic Activity

You will develop your understanding of how to analyse government income and expenditure, and evaluate the role of the public and private sectors in the economy. You will develop the ability to assess the policies and other methods used by the UK government to achieve its economic aims.

You will look at:

Government finance
Government aims
Government policies
National income
Scotland's place in the UK

Assessment

Pupils will have an end of unit assessment that will sample questions from across the various sub-topics. This will usually be conducted a week or so after the end of the topic. Pupils will complete a "self-reflection" sheet prior to the return of the assessment; this will help aid pupil revision for the future.

Global Economic Activity

You will develop your understanding of how to analyse the global nature of economics, and explore global trade and its importance to the UK economy. You will examine economic features and impacts of developing countries, emerging economies, global institutions and the EU.

You will look at:

Global trade
Multinationals
Exchange rates
Balance of Payments
Impact of the global economy

Assessment

Pupils will have an end of unit assessment that will sample questions from across the various sub-topics. This will usually be conducted a week or so after the end of the topic. Pupils will complete a "self-reflection" sheet prior to the return of the assessment; this will help aid pupil revision for the future.

SQA Assessment

Component 1 - Question Paper

Worth 90 marks
- Section 1 worth 30 marks
- Section 2 worth 60 marks

Component 2 - Assignment

Worth 30 marks
- The assignment component requires you will to research an economic topic and produce a report based on your findings.

Additional Information / Resources

SQA Course Specification

SQA Past Papers

SQA Understanding Standards

Progression

Pupils who successfully pass the National 5 Economics course could go on to study the following: