GCSE Economics Introduction to the new specification Nigel Straker January 2017 This specification has been accredited by Ofqual Follow us on Twitter @AQACPD.
Structure of the session Overview of the new specification Underlying principles and key features Specification at a glance Summary of content and assessment objectives Paper 1 Core content The question paper and question types Paper 2 Core content The question paper and question types Support and resources Slide 2 Follow us on Twitter @AQACPD.
Underlying principles A specification designed for you and your students. A relevant and diverse specification. Clear, well structured exams, accessible to all. Topics that will be easily relatable to real world events. Slide 3
Comparing the old and new specifications The new specification is still completely exam based with no controlled assessment. There is still a two paper split. Questions across both papers will go through an incline of difficulty, culminating in a case study, a format students and teachers will be familiar with. Some questions on each paper will require knowledge from both halves of the specification, to encourage a full understanding of how economic principles affect each other. Slide 4
Overview of specification content Paper 1 How markets work Economic foundations Resource Allocation How prices are determined Production, costs, revenue and profit Competitive and concentrated markets Market Failure Paper 2 How the economy works Introduction to the national economy Government objectives How the government manages the economy International trade and the global economy The role of money and the financial markets Slide 5
Specification at a glance Paper 1: How Markets work Written Paper 50% 1 hour 45 minutes 80 marks Section A: 10 multiple choice questions followed by a range of calculation, short and extended response questions. Section B: five questions involving a mix of calculations, short and extended responses. Paper 2: How the economy works Written Paper 50% 1 hour 45 minutes 80 marks Section A: 10 multiple choice questions followed by a range of calculation, short and extended response questions. Section B: five questions involving a mix of calculations, short and extended responses. Slide 6
Assessment Objectives AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of economic concepts and issues. AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of economic concepts and issues to a variety of contexts. AO3 Analyse and evaluate economic evidence and issues to demonstrate understanding of economic behaviour, make judgements and draw conclusions. Slide 7
Why choose the AQA GCSE Specification? Dynamic and engaging content. Real life skills. Assessment success. Progression onto AS/A-level Economics. Comprehensive support. We help your students get the results they deserve. Slide 8
Key features and benefits 1 We ve listened to your feedback to build on the strengths of our existing specification. Our continual development through operational experience, teacher feedback and working with the academic community allows us to minimise the effect of the changing requirements on your day-to-day teaching. Increased relevance to contemporary economic issues. AQA s growing reputation for providing successful and high quality Economics qualifications. Assessment you can trust with clear, well structured mark schemes and exemplar materials. Slide 9
Key features and benefits 2 We have created our new GCSE with help from teachers, keeping contemporary case studies we know you and your students enjoy, and providing a clear description of new content. We've maintained the clear structure of our assessment, using a combination of question styles so that all students have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. We ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams. Slide 10
Key features and benefits 3 Students will develop: an economic awareness to benefit them personally and professionally for years to come communication, critical thinking and analytical skills a range of long-lasting quantitative skills. Slide 11
Content and skills for Paper/Unit 1 Economic foundations Resource Allocation How prices are determined Production, costs, revenue and profit Competitive and concentrated markets Market Failure Slide 12
Assessment Objectives Assessment Objectives AO AO1 Description Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of economic concepts and issues. Paper 1 17.5% AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of economic concepts and issues to a variety of contexts. 17.5% AO3 Analyse and evaluate economic evidence and issues to demonstrate understanding of economic behaviour, make judgements and draw conclusions. 15% Slide 13
Structure of Question Paper 1 1 hour 45 minutes 80 Marks 50% of total marks Section A: 10 multiple choice questions followed by a range of calculation, short and extended response questions. Section B: five questions involving a mix of calculations, short and extended responses. Slide 14
Paper 1 Example of a multiple choice question Slide 15
Paper 1 Example of a short answer question Slide 16
Paper 1 Case Study Section B Case Study The topic is the supermarket industry. The case study provides a variety of information that students can use in their answers to the following questions, ranging from short answers to an extended range 15 mark question. The inclusion of 9 and 15 mark questions allows true differentiation between ability ranges. Slide 17
Content and skills for Paper 2 Introduction to the national economy Government objectives How the government manages the economy International trade and the global economy The role of money and the financial markets Slide 18
Assessment Objectives Assessment Objectives AO AO1 Description Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of economic concepts and issues. Paper 2 17.5% AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of economic concepts and issues to a variety of contexts. 17.5% AO3 Analyse and evaluate economic evidence and issues to demonstrate understanding of economic behaviour, make judgements and draw conclusions. 15% Slide 19
Structure of Question Paper 2 1 hour 45 minutes 80 Marks 50% of total marks Section A: 10 multiple choice questions followed by a range of calculation, short and extended response questions. Section B: five questions involving a mix of calculations, short and extended responses. Slide 20
Paper 2 Examples of a multiple choice question Slide 21
Paper 2 Example of a short answer question Slide 22
Paper 2 Case Study Section B Case Study The topic is regional inequality. The case study provides a variety of information that students can use in their answers to the following questions, culminating in an extended range 15 mark question. Slide 23
AQA ongoing support and resources AQA website e-aqa Secure Key Materials ERA (Enhanced Results Analysis) Training courses Preparing to teach events Slide 24
e-aqa Slide 25
Subject resources Scheme of work Guidance on command words Guidance on subject specific vocabulary Student answers with examiner commentaries Specification comparison with other boards Slide 26
Contact points for more information and guidance Economics team Email: economics@aqa.org.uk Tel no: 01483 477 863 AQA website: aqa.org.uk Slide 27
Thank you We are an independent education charity and the largest provider of academic qualifications for all abilities taught in schools and colleges. Our aim is to enable students to realise their potential and provide teachers with the support and resources they need so that they can focus on inspiring learning. http://www.aqa.org.uk/ Follow us on Twitter @AQACPD.