Economics
Context
Students will need to have a good knowledge of developments in the UK economy and government policies over the past fifteen years. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions.
Students will also build upon their quantitative skills, and appreciate that when evaluating arguments, both qualitative and quantitative evidence are important.
Suggested reading
Economics for A level Year 1 and AS - Hodder Education
Ray Powell and James Powell
Suggested research
http://www.tutor2u.net/ - fantastic resource, lots of economics materials; popular amongst students
http://tutor2u.net/revision_notes_economics.asp - fantastic revision notes from tutor2u
http://brynsaseconomicsblog.blogspot.co.uk/ - great applications of economic theory to practical examples
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/economics - great revision tool for economics
http://www.ft.com/home/uk - good for up-to-date economics news
http://www.economicsnetwork.ac.uk/links/data_free.htm - economics data for research and projects
http://www.economist.com - economics news
Suggested tasks
Look at the statements below, formulate your own answer to each one and be ready to discuss. Think of one reason for each statement and one reason against. We will discuss the answers in the first week of September so please bring your answers written down or typed up please.
See you in September and keep well, Mr Hauptfleisch, HOD Business & Economics.
Week 1: Research & reflect and type up your answers:
What happens when oil eventually runs out?
Why can't we just pay doctors and nurses more money?
Why can't I just get a grant to go to university?
The unemployed should get off their backsides and get a job!
Week 2: Research & reflect and type up your answers:
Why do people always get so excited about interest rate changes?
Inflation - no idea what it is; it doesn't affect me!
It's obvious that fining polluters would stop them from doing it!
We should just wipe out the debt that third world countries owe us.
Week 3: Research & reflect and type up your answers:
I never seem to have enough to get what I want, I wish I could win the lottery - not millions just enough to get by!
That CD I bought was a real bargain at £10 - I would have paid anything up to £30 to get it, it is sooo cool!
It's crazy, fishermen are catching decent fish and have to throw half of them overboard - even though they are dead!
Week 4: Research & reflect and type up your answers:
It's not fair, they are the only firm I can buy from and they are so expensive; I don't have any choice!
It's so annoying, the price of my train journey is twice as expensive before 9 o'clock!
Not another threatened strike, why don't they just go back to work?