GCSE Economics Course Structure and Teaching Approach

Exam Boards: AQA, OCR, Edexcel

Course Structure

The GCSE Economics course introduces students to the fundamentals of economic theory and real-world application. It helps students develop analytical skills and decision-making abilities by exploring how individuals, businesses, and governments interact in the economy.

Topics Covered (Aligned with Exam Boards)

Core Topics (Common to AQA, OCR, and Edexcel):

• Introduction to Economics (10 hours)
  • Basic Economic Problem: Scarcity and Opportunity Cost.
  • Factors of Production: Land, Labor, Capital, and Enterprise.
  • Economic Objectives of Individuals, Businesses, and Governments.
• Microeconomics (30 hours)
  • Demand and Supply: Determinants and Interaction.
  • Price Elasticity of Demand and Supply.
  • Market Structures: Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Oligopoly.
  • Market Failure: Externalities, Public Goods, and Government Intervention.
• Macroeconomics (30 hours)
  • Economic Growth and Development.
  • Inflation, Unemployment, and Balance of Payments.
  • Fiscal, Monetary, and Supply-Side Policies.
  • International Trade and Globalization.
• Economic Indicators and Decision Making (10 hours)
  • Understanding and Interpreting Economic Data.
  • Evaluating Economic Policies and Trade-Offs.
• Examination Preparation (10 hours)
  • Structuring Responses: Multiple-Choice, Short-Answer, and Extended Essays.
  • Data Response Questions and Case Study Analysis.

Exam Board-Specific Emphasis:

• AQA: Strong focus on applying concepts to current economic issues. Emphasis on developing data interpretation and evaluative skills.
• OCR: Detailed exploration of market structures and government intervention. Focus on the causes and solutions to economic problems.
• Edexcel: Greater emphasis on globalization and international trade. Advanced use of quantitative skills in interpreting economic data.

Teaching Approach

• Step-by-Step Learning: Concepts are introduced progressively, building on foundational knowledge. Real-world examples and case studies help connect theory to practice.
• Interactive and Practical Lessons: Group activities like debates on current economic policies or solving real-life economic problems. Hands-on tasks, such as analyzing graphs and calculating elasticity.
• Exam-Oriented Preparation: Regular timed assessments and mock exams to simulate test conditions. Focus on mastering extended-response questions and critical analysis.
• Custom Resources: Tailored notes, diagrams, and flowcharts for each topic. Access to a comprehensive database of past papers and model answers.
• Feedback and Individualized Support: Personalized feedback to strengthen areas of weakness. One-on-one sessions for deeper understanding of challenging topics.

Completion Time

The course is designed to be completed in 80-90 hours, depending on the exam board and student pace.

• Weekly Schedule: 2-3 hours per week (8-10 months).
• Intensive Option: 4-5 hours per week (4-5 months).

Additional Support

• Trial Classes: A free or discounted 1-hour session to introduce students to the course.
• Flexible Payment Options: Weekly, monthly, or upfront payment with a discount of 5-10% for full payment.
• Revision and Crash Courses: Holiday sessions focusing on exam techniques and key topics.
• Economic Awareness Sessions: Optional workshops to explore current events like inflation trends or global trade disputes.
• Career and Progression Guidance: Insights into A-Level Economics and related careers in business, finance, and public policy.