Economics
Our Economics Curriculum
Social Sciences at The Hemel Hempstead School involves the study of Economics, Psychology and Sociology. To put it simply, it is the study of human beings. It looks at people, influence, relationships, power, institutions, community, society. What the Social Sciences have in common is that they use systematic methodologies to investigate human behaviour. They seek evidence to test hypotheses. We aim to develop core academic skills which we believe will equip our students for higher education, higher apprenticeships and for life.
GCSE Economics (Year 10 & 11)
In GCSE Economics students follow the AQA specification where they understand how markets and economies work developing an economic awareness to benefit them personally and professionally for years to come. They start Year 10 looking at economic foundations such as the nature and purpose of economic activity, the factors of production and the importance of making choices. Students will also look at how resources are allocated using a market mechanism. In Year 11 students are then introduced to the wider economy from the perspective of the main economic groups: consumers, producers and government. Students explore the significance of interest rates including their impact on saving, borrowing and spending.
A Level Economics (Year 12 & 13)
In Year 12 students are introduced to microeconomic concepts, looking at markets and market failure. In Y13 they develop these concepts through applied business economics such as market structure, profit maximisation, cost and revenue, the labour market, wage determination and government economic strategy. In Year 12 students are also introduced to macroeconomic principles of supply, demand and economic growth. In Year 13 they apply these concepts to a global context, developing an understanding of international economics and the role of the state. Students also develop quantitative skills including the ability to interpret data, charts, calculate rates and indices as well as elasticities of demand and supply. These skills are applied throughout the A Level programme of study. In Year 13 students are also required to apply these skills to data response questions.