The CCEA GCSE Economics specification engages students in contemporary economic issues in local, national and global contexts. The course emphasises financial capability and the global economy.

It has clear and specific learning outcomes.

The specification introduces key economic concepts, such as basic economic problems, and demand and supply. Topics include market forces, the financial services industry and managing personal finances. Students analyse how and why international trade and varying exchange rates affect the UK economy. They also explore environmental, moral and legislative issues linked to economic activity.

Students become independent learners with enquiring minds. They develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, argument building and making informed judgements. They develop a basis for their roles as consumers, producers and citizens, as well as related future study.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Environment and Society, Learning for Life and Work, and Mathematics and Numeracy Areas of Learning.

This specification is a linear qualification: students take all the assessment at the end of the course.

The specification has five content areas:

• Basic Economic Ideas
• Producing and Consuming
• Financial Capability
• Managing the Economy
• The Global Economy.

The content may be assessed in Paper 1 and/or Paper 2.