A Cambridge IGCSE Elective
Note: IGCSE Economics is an academic subject and not vocational based. Candidates considering this course should do so with an understanding that it is 100% externally assessed and requires a certain writing standard.
Course Description
Cambridge IGCSE Economics focuses on how scarce resources are organised in a world that faces many challenging economic and environmental issues. Studying this subject provides learners with the opportunity to learn about the basic economic concepts; how to explain, analyse and evaluate economic issues; and organise, present and communicate ideas clearly.
Cambridge IGCSE Economics encourages learners to be:
Confident, in using the terminology, concepts, theories and principles of economics, creating a good foundation in the subject
Responsible, by being able to consider the consequences of economic decisions, including the impacts of those decisions on people and the environment
Reflective, by considering different sides of an economic argument and being aware of the possible uncertainties of alternative decisions and outcomes
Innovative, through the application of economic knowledge and understanding to current and future economic challenges
Engaged, through the development of economic awareness and by being able to participate constructively in society and the economy.
Course Aims
Enable students to:
- explore the purpose and role of economists in investigating economic issues and problems
- build a confident working knowledge of key economic terms, concepts and theories
- use the tools of economic analysis to interpret different types of data and information
- analyse possible outcomes for economic problems and express ideas logically
- consider how issues such as population change, globalisation and environmental sustainability can impact economic policy-making
- discover the impact and importance of economics, inspiring an interest that could lead to further study or employment.
Content Overview
All learners will study the following topics:
- The basic economic problem
- The allocation of resources
- Microeconomic decision-makers
- Government and the macroeconomy
- Economic development
- International trade and globalisation
Assessment
All candidates take two papers.
Paper 1 | Paper 2 | |
| Style | Multiple choice (40 marks) | Structured questions (Short answer and longer form) |
| Weighting | 30% | 70% |
| Time | 1 hour | 2 hours |
