Economics

The economics department offers GCE Economics. This is available at two levels: AS and A-Level. Pupils can take the AS course as a final qualification or as the first half of the A-Level qualification. Pupils who wish to obtain a full A-Level qualification must also complete the second half of the course, which is referred to as A2.

The course comprises four units: two at AS level and two at A2 level.

AS Content: Year 13

AS 1: Markets and Market Failure: In this unit, pupils will learn the way markets work. They will examine market forces and how supply and demand work together to provide resources for local, national and international markets. Pupils will also examine why markets fail and possible ways of correcting this failure.

AS 2: Managing the National Economy: Pupils will examine changes in the economy, and the effectiveness of government policies. Issues such as unemployment, inflation and economic growth are also covered.

A2 Content: Year 14

A2 1: Business Economics: This unit builds on the AS content and will help pupils to understand the economic behaviour in competitive and non-competitive markets. It will investigate how firms grow by examining organic growth, mergers and takeovers.

A2 2: Managing the Economy in a Global World: In this unit pupils will learn the significance of globalisation, international trade, the balance of payments and exchange rates. They will also develop an understanding of the factors that influence growth and development of developing countries.  

Pupils within the department consistently perform above the Northern Ireland average. In recent years 75+% of pupils have achieved A level grades A*, A or B.