Economics
Varndean College - Brighton and Hove
01273508011
Surrenden Road, Brighton, BN1 6WQ
Course summary

Economics is an exciting, dynamic subject that allows students to develop an understanding of the complexities and interdependence of economic activities in a rapidly changing world. At the heart of economic theory is the problem of scarcity and choice. Much of what we study in economics is about problems solving and decision making. While the world’s population has unlimited needs and wants, there are limited resources to satisfy these needs and wants. As a result of this scarcity, choices have to be made. Many of the issues we look at in economics are controversial, for example, the extent to which we want to provide for our needs and wants through state intervention or through the market system. We also look at markets that fail, and how these problems can be rectified. We look at different approaches to development and reducing inequality. At both SL and HL, the course uses economic theories to examine the ways in which these choices are made: • at the level of producers and consumers in individual markets (microeconomics). • at the level of the government and the national economy (macroeconomics). • at an international level where countries are becoming increasingly interdependent through international trade and the movement of labour and capital (the global economy). You will produce three IA’s over the course of the two years, in the past students have looked at issues like the impact and causes of the energy crisis and the impact of climate change.

Entry requirements

A mixture of at least 7 GCSEs at Grades 9 - 6 including English, Maths and Science.

How you'll be assessed

All subjects have some form of coursework or internal assessment component and most have final examinations. The weightings of the coursework vary between subject and level so please refer to the subject guides in this booklet for specifics, however students have a significant amount of freedom over topics, questions and research. Some of the coursework is assessed via 121 oral or presentation work. All final external written exams take place in May of year two and the results are published in July (6 weeks before the A-level results!). We also hold internal exams in May of year one and January of year two.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth East
Local AuthorityBrighton and Hove
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressSurrenden Road, Brighton, BN1 6WQ