Economics (9708)
Through the Cambridge International AS and A Level Economics syllabus, learners study how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly.
The syllabus covers a range of basic economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Learners also study the price system, the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development.
We recommend students that register to this course, have an IGCSE certificate in First Language English with a minimum mark of C or an IGCSE certificate in English as a Second Language with a minimum mark of A. If registering students have completed a curriculum that is not Cambridge International in grades 9 and 10, they will be required to sit an entrance examination at our High School Campus.
Link to Syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/329552-2019-2021-syllabus.pdf
Key Concepts
Key concepts are essential ideas that help students develop a deep understanding of their subject and make links between different aspects. Key concepts may open up new ways of thinking about, understanding or interpreting the important things to be learned.
The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Economics are:
- Scarcity and choice
The fundamental problem in economics is that resources are scarce and wants are unlimited, so there is always a choice required between competing uses for the resources.
- The margin and change
Decision-making by individuals, firms and governments is based on choices at the margin; that is, once behaviour has been optimised, any change will be detrimental as long as conditions remain the same.
- Equilibrium and efficiency
Prices are set by markets, are always moving in to and out of equilibrium, and can be both efficient and inefficient in different ways and over different time periods.
- Regulation and equity
There is a trade-off between, on the one hand, freedom for firms and individuals in unregulated markets and, on the other hand, greater social equality and equity through the government regulation of individuals and markets.
- Progress and development
Economics studies how societies can progress in measurable money terms and develop in a wider more normative sense.
Recognition and progression
Cambridge Internationals expertise in curriculum, teaching and learning, and assessment is the basis for the recognition of Cambridge International programmes and qualifications around the world. Every year thousands of students with Cambridge International AS & A Levels gain places at leading universities worldwide. They are valued by top universities around the world including those in the UK, US (including Ivy League universities), Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge International AS & A Level and found it to be comparable to the standard of AS & A Level in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications are accepted as equivalent, grade for grade, to UK AS & A Levels by leading universities worldwide.
Cambridge International AS Level Economics makes up the first half of the Cambridge International A Level course in economics and provides a foundation for the study of economics at Cambridge International A Level. Depending on local university entrance requirements, students may be able to use it to progress directly to university courses in economics or some other subjects. It is also suitable as part of a course of general education.
Cambridge International A Level Economics provides a foundation for the study of economics or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable as part of a course of general education.
Resources
The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:
- Cambridge AS/A Level Economics 9708 Coursebook
- Variety of resources determined by teacher
Cambridge International Examinations
AS Level candidates take:
Paper 1
Multiple Choice – 40% (1 hour)
30 multiple choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content
Externally assessed
Paper 2
Data Response and Essay – 60% (1 hour 30 minutes)
Section A: one data response question
Section B: one structured essay from a choice of three
Based on the AS Level syllabus content
Externally assessed
A Level candidates take:
Paper 1
Multiple Choice – 20% (1 hour)
30 multiple choice questions based on the AS Level syllabus content
Externally assessed
Paper 2
Data Response and Essay – 30% (1 hour 30 minutes)
Section A: one data response question
Section B: one structured essay from a choice of three
Based on the AS Level syllabus content
Externally assessed
Paper 3
Multiple Choice – 15% (1 hour 15 minutes)
30 multiple choice questions based on the A Level syllabus content
Externally assessed
Paper 4
Data Response and Essays – 35% (2 hours 15 minutes)
Section A: one data response question
Section B: two essays from a choice of six
Based on the A Level syllabus content
SUBJECTS
