Economics

Economics is around us every day, influencing everything from individual shopping choices to global government policies. In the Economics department, we help students make sense of how resources are allocated, how markets function and how economic decisions shape our world. Our curriculum encourages students to ask probing questions about poverty, inflation, market forces and international trade. We cultivate an environment where students build logical reasoning, data handling capabilities and strong evaluative skills, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with current affairs and economic issues.

KS4 content and intent

At Key Stage 4, we introduce students to the fundamental principles that govern how markets work and how economies are managed. Our intent is to build foundational economic literacy and curiosity about national and global financial systems.

Students explore microeconomic topics such as supply and demand, competitive markets and how prices are determined. They also look at macroeconomic themes including economic growth, unemployment, inflation and the role of government policy in controlling the economy. Through practical examples and discussion of recent events, students learn how to interpret graphs, analyze statistical data and weigh up the costs and benefits of different economic choices.

KS5 content and intent

Our Key Stage 5 AQA A-Level Economics course provides a rigorous exploration of both microeconomic and macroeconomic theories. The intent is to equip students with the analytical frameworks needed to evaluate complex global economic issues and government interventions.

The course requires an inquisitive mind, logical thinking and confidence with quantitative data. It is divided into two main areas:

Individuals, firms, markets and market failure (microeconomics):

• Economic methodology and the economic problem
• Individual economic decision making  
• Price determination in a competitive market  
• Production, costs and revenue  
• Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly  
• The labour market  
• The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality  
• The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets  

The national and international economy (macroeconomics):

• The measurement of macroeconomic performance
• How the macro economy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts
• Economic performance
• Financial markets and monetary policy
• Fiscal policy and supply-side policies

Economics complements subjects such as Mathematics, Geography, History and Psychology. An A-Level in Economics provides an excellent foundation for university study and career paths in banking, public policy, consultancy, finance and law.

Exam board information

GCSE Economics

Exam Board: OCR

Find out more about GCSE Economics: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/306377-specification-accredited-gcse-economics-j205.pdf

A-Level Economics

Exam board: AQA

Find out more about our A-level Economics Course: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/economics/a-level/economics-7136/specification

Economics Teaching Team

Mr C Scott
Head of Humanities and Social Science Faculty and Head of Economics
cscott@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mr R McAlaney
Business Studies and Economics Teacher
rmcalaney@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Mr J Ogada
Teacher of Maths and Economics
jogada@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk

Further Information

If you have any further queries, please contact the Faculty Leader, Mr Scott:  
cscott@bulmershe.wokingham.sch.uk