Objectives

· To understand basic economic concepts, principles and simple analytical techniques and apply them to current economic issues.

· To inquire into and reason clearly and objectively about economic issues.

· To interpret and present economic data and arguments in a clear, concise and coherent manner.

· To develop an awareness of the inter-relationships between economic, social and political events.

Student resources

Geoff Evans Senior Economics (2000 edition)

Dan Rennie Year 13 Understanding Economics Workbooks A and B

Course of Study

The course is divided into four sections:

Section 3.1:90629: V: 3 - Understand the concepts of supply and demand.

Section 3.2:90630: V: 2 - Describe and illustrate the market and allocative efficiency.

Section 3.3: 90631: V2 - Describe and illustrate resource allocation via the public sector.

Section 3.4: 90632: V2 - Describe and illustrate aggregate economic activity.

ASSESSMENT

1. External Examination

The written examination specifically aims to assess your knowledge and understanding of basic economic concepts, principles and simple analytical techniques as per the prescription. The examination will also assess the thinking and statistical skills prescribed, particularly those of reasoning clearly and objectively, as well as, presenting and interpreting data and arguments clearly, concisely and coherently.

You will be examined on the Achievement Standards listed on page 7 in the external examination at the end of the school year:

2. Internally assessed components

As part of the course you are required to complete ONE task which is internally assessed.

AS 3.5 (AS 90778):Version 2:- Collect and process information, and carry out an economic analysis.

You will be given criteria upon which your work will be evaluated and deadlines by which certain aspects of your tasks will need have been completed.

Unit Tests

At the end of each unit students may be assessed on their knowledge and achievement of curriculum objectives through summative end of unit tests. Each of these test marks will be reported on in the term three reports. These assessments will provide students with feedback as to their progress toward associated Achievement Standards.

School Examinations

Students will be assessed on all of their knowledge developed throughout the year in 3 hour examination in term three which will reflect the achievement standard nature and format. These marks will be recorded and reported on in the Term Three Senior Report.

Reporting

Indicative grades of work completed towards the achievement of externally assessed standards, in tests and other assessment will be reported on in all reports. Final grades for work completed towards the achievement of internally assessed standards in tests and other assessment will also be reported on in all reports. Individual progress towards achievement skill areas will be reported on in the term three report.

ASSESSMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

The Economics Department will operate the following policies in 2008.

Attendance

You are expected to attend class on a regular basis as set out in the school policy on attendance.

Authenticity

Assessment work completed must be your own work. You and your caregivers will be expected to sign authenticity declarations and, where appropriate, submit working drafts. Where evidence indicates work presented is not your own work the school policy will be followed.

Appeals

Appeals of grades awarded are to be made within one week of the return of assessed work. Where a grade is appealed, school policy will be followed.

Late Work

DUE DATE means just that! Late work will not be accepted for assessment unless exceptional circumstances exist and an extension has been granted by the HOD before the due date.

Reassessment Opportunities

School policy states that a further assessment opportunity may be made available to those students who did not achieve credit, and where further learning has occurred and it is feasible and/or practicable to offer a further assessment opportunity. You will have the following Reassessment Opportunities

Achievement Standard 3.5 (AS90633) NO reassessment opportunities will be made available.

Resubmission Opportunities

Resubmission may be used for students who have not gained credit in some elements of a standard due to minor error.

Verifying Grades

You will be required to verify the grades that you have been awarded by signing the result slip attached to each piece of internally assessed work. Students will also be required to verify the final grades awarded that are submitted to NZQA.

Compassionate Considerations:

Internal Achievement Standards - Compassionate consideration for a student who is absent from an internal assessment may be made if there is sufficient evidence available from other work related to the same skill/content and no other assessment opportunity is available.

External Achievement Standards – NZQA guidelines will be followed.