Economics is a social science concerned with the challenges common to all societies, in searching for acceptable levels of economic well-being. The quest is of particular relevance not only because of the vast gulf separating the poorest and the richest inhabitants of the planet but also because of the limits of resources, time and human effort. Although the subject can be studied at two different levels, both higher and standard-level courses aim to encourage students to think critically about economics and the real-world issues they will face. Students will gain knowledge of economic principles, and develop analytical and critical thinking skills. They will also learn to appreciate the difference between positive and normative statements in decision-making. The core syllabus for both levels involves the study of individual markets; why markets fail to be efficient; business decision-making; macroeconomic issues and policy e.g. unemployment, inflation, GDP growth and the balance of payments. Both levels focus on the roles of interest rate and tax policy, and the importance of international economics. There is in addition a special consideration of the economics of development. In the new syllabus, there is extra depth and breadth required in certain areas at the Higher Level. Both SL and HL students develop quantitative skills, but HL students will need to further develop these as appropriate, in analysing and evaluating economic relationships to provide informed policy advice. These skills are specifically assessed in HL Paper 3.
For popular courses such as Economics, English Literature, History, Medicine, or Psychology, all of the competitive universities require at least grade AAA at A Level or, usually, a score of 37-39 IB points; the most competitive require A*AA (or even occasionally A*A*A) or 7 points in one or more HL subject. Universities such as Bath, Bristol, Durham, Imperial, Manchester, UCL and Warwick may also require A*AA or 7 points in an HL subject for courses in Sciences, Engineering or Mathematics; a few of these courses will require IB students to have 7 points in a specific HL Science or Mathematics and A Level students to have A* in a specific Science or Mathematics. Cambridge currently requires a minimum of A Level grades of A*AA for all Arts courses and for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, and A*A*A for all Science courses, Computer Science and Economics. Irrespective of course, the standard IB requirement is 40-42 points, including 776 in the three Higher Level subjects. In practice, however, higher (or lower) offers are sometimes made to both A Level and IB students; these are decided on an individual basis. Oxford currently requires A Level grades of AAA for all Arts courses and for Human Sciences, A*AA for most Science courses, Economics and Management, Geography, and Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics, and A*A*A for Chemistry, Engineering and Mathematics courses. Irrespective of course, the standard IB requirement is 38-40 points with 666-776 in the three Higher Level subjects. Unlike at Cambridge, these entry requirements are standardised across the university and are rarely raised or lowered.
Assessment is divided between three written papers for HL and a portfolio of coursework. At SL assessment is by two written papers and a portfolio of coursework. Coursework accounts for 20% of the total marks at HL and 30% at SL. At Standard Level, there are two externally marked examination papers. Paper 1 is an essay paper (1h 15 min); Paper 2 is a data response paper (1h 45 min). At the Higher Level, students will sit an additional 1 hour 45 min Policy paper.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Hammersmith and Fulham |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £26,831 |
| Address | Iffley Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 0PG |
Economics is a social science concerned with the challenges common to all societies, in searching for acceptable levels of economic well-being. The quest is of particular relevance not only because of the vast gulf separating the poorest and the richest inhabitants of the planet but also because of the limits of resources, time and human effort. Although the subject can be studied at two different levels, both higher and standard-level courses aim to encourage students to think critically about economics and the real-world issues they will face. Students will gain knowledge of economic principles, and develop analytical and critical thinking skills. They will also learn to appreciate the difference between positive and normative statements in decision-making. The core syllabus for both levels involves the study of individual markets; why markets fail to be efficient; business decision-making; macroeconomic issues and policy e.g. unemployment, inflation, GDP growth and the balance of payments. Both levels focus on the roles of interest rate and tax policy, and the importance of international economics. There is in addition a special consideration of the economics of development. In the new syllabus, there is extra depth and breadth required in certain areas at the Higher Level. Both SL and HL students develop quantitative skills, but HL students will need to further develop these as appropriate, in analysing and evaluating economic relationships to provide informed policy advice. These skills are specifically assessed in HL Paper 3.
For popular courses such as Economics, English Literature, History, Medicine, or Psychology, all of the competitive universities require at least grade AAA at A Level or, usually, a score of 37-39 IB points; the most competitive require A*AA (or even occasionally A*A*A) or 7 points in one or more HL subject. Universities such as Bath, Bristol, Durham, Imperial, Manchester, UCL and Warwick may also require A*AA or 7 points in an HL subject for courses in Sciences, Engineering or Mathematics; a few of these courses will require IB students to have 7 points in a specific HL Science or Mathematics and A Level students to have A* in a specific Science or Mathematics. Cambridge currently requires a minimum of A Level grades of A*AA for all Arts courses and for Psychological and Behavioural Sciences, and A*A*A for all Science courses, Computer Science and Economics. Irrespective of course, the standard IB requirement is 40-42 points, including 776 in the three Higher Level subjects. In practice, however, higher (or lower) offers are sometimes made to both A Level and IB students; these are decided on an individual basis. Oxford currently requires A Level grades of AAA for all Arts courses and for Human Sciences, A*AA for most Science courses, Economics and Management, Geography, and Psychology, Philosophy & Linguistics, and A*A*A for Chemistry, Engineering and Mathematics courses. Irrespective of course, the standard IB requirement is 38-40 points with 666-776 in the three Higher Level subjects. Unlike at Cambridge, these entry requirements are standardised across the university and are rarely raised or lowered.
Assessment is divided between three written papers for HL and a portfolio of coursework. At SL assessment is by two written papers and a portfolio of coursework. Coursework accounts for 20% of the total marks at HL and 30% at SL. At Standard Level, there are two externally marked examination papers. Paper 1 is an essay paper (1h 15 min); Paper 2 is a data response paper (1h 45 min). At the Higher Level, students will sit an additional 1 hour 45 min Policy paper.
