ECB president Trichet 
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| Higher |  |
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| AS Level | |
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| A Level | |
All societies, organisations and individuals face the problem of allocating scarce resources amongst competing uses. Economics is the social science which provides the knowledge and skills required to make decisions about the production and consumption of goods and services. This course is concerned with ways in which such decisions are made, and the implications which these decisions have.
The course will help you to build up a knowledge of economic principles, and to develop skills in interpreting and analysing economic information, as well as evaluating the costs and benefits of decisions.
These skills will of course be valuable to anyone who wishes to pursue a university course and / or a career in the field, but nowadays every citizen is confronted with a bewildering variety of economic choices, and related political issues, whether or not the citizen understands what is involved. Higher Economics provides the opportunity to assess topics such as:
— Should Britain join the Euro?
— Why does China have such high growth rates compared to the UK?
— Why are houses so expensive?
What resources are available?
The most important resource is your own powers of observation. You are studying a course which describes and analyses the economic world around you. The examiners will expect you to be aware of current economic issues and developments. You cannot explain to the examiners something which you have not even noticed. Your teacher cannot direct your attention to everything that happens; or he would not have time to teach you the syllabus. Therefore you yourself have a responsibility to read about economic issues in the press, watch relevant documentaries on TV, obtain statistics from the Internet, and so on. Keep a current affairs file to help you remember significant developments.
Entry requirements
It is helpful, but not essential, to have taken Business Studies and Economics at GCSE or Standard Grade. Economics does require a fair level of data analysis, and those pupils who have not gained an A or B at GCSE, or credit level at Standard Grade in Mathematics may struggle with some components of the course. Study of Higher Mathematics would support the course but is not essential, though would be recommended if Economics was to be an option at University level.
Course Components:
The Course aims to Develop
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Course Details: 1: Microeconomics It will help you to organise your notes if you have a ring binder with dividers for each of the separate topics. This will permit you to return to a topic and insert updates as necessary. |
Assessment
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Progression
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Higher Economics is split into three Units: 
Economics is assessed by a single end of course examination. Students will be expected to pass three end
of Unit tests to allow them to sit the fi nal examination. They will also sit a Prelim examination early in the
spring term. There is no coursework in Higher Economics..jpg)
Higher Economics provides a strong foundation for study of the subject at A Level as the syllabuses are
compatible. The course is also an ideal preparation for the study at an undergraduate level, as either a main
Degree subject or as an elective as part of an allied degree. An understanding of economics and its impact
would provide a useful background for Business, Politics or other Social Science based degrees. The course
develops the ability to develop and justify a reasoned argument, applying theory to support your argument,
and to apply it to real world examples.This page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / economics / higher.htm
