1.0 Introduction

1.1 Why choose AQA for GCSE Economics

A specification designed for you and your students

When students understand how markets and economies work, they will develop an economic awareness to benefit them personally and professionally for years to come.

We 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.

A relevant and diverse specification

There are lots of opportunities to talk about today's economic issues in your lessons. Students can develop communication, critical thinking and analytical skills through tasks based on anything from ways to cut the budget deficit, to weighing up the pros and cons of inflation or being part of free-trade agreements.

Clear, well-structured exams, accessible to all

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.

Upon completion, students will have the skills, knowledge and confidence for further study or to embark on their career.

You can find out about all our Economics qualifications at aqa.org.uk/economics

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

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.

1.2.1 Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/8136 to see all our teaching resources. They include:

  • sample schemes of work to help you plan your course with confidence
  • training courses to help you deliver AQA Economics qualifications
  • subject expertise courses for all teachers, from newly qualified teachers who are just getting started to experienced teachers looking for fresh inspiration.

1.2.2 Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/8136 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

  • past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports
  • specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses
  • example student answers with examiner commentaries.

Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years and where your students need to improve. ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you see where to focus your teaching. Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Time in the classroom is precious, but we understand that as your career develops, the skills and knowledge you need may change. As well as subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills.

  • Feedback sessions to understand how students have performed in this year’s exams.
  • Virtual communities where you can chat to teachers in your subject area about what’s important to you.

This is just the start. Our events calendar is full of different ways for you to learn, understand and be inspired. Find out more at aqa.org.uk/professional-development .

Help and support

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/8136

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and updates at aqa.org.uk/from-2017

Alternatively, you can call or email our subject team direct.

E: economics@aqa.org.uk

T: 01483 477 863