ECONOMICS
Board Developed Course (ATAR) - 2 Units
Economics is intended for students interested in understanding how economic systems operate at local, national and global levels. It is ideal for those passionate about exploring economic theory, market behaviour, financial policies and government intervention. The course caters to students aspiring to pursue careers in economics, finance, business management, public policy, banking and international trade.
The study of Economics emphasises the development of analytical skills, problem-solving and economic reasoning, including the ability to interpret economic data, evaluate policy decisions and understand market fluctuations. Students learn to write with clarity and precision, producing well-structured and analytical responses that reflect a deep understanding of economic principles and their real-world applications.
PRE-REQUISITES
There are no formal pre-requisites for Economics. However, strong numeracy skills, reading comprehension and analytical writing skills are highly beneficial due to the course’s emphasis on interpreting economic data, constructing structured economic arguments and evidence-based analysis.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Year 11 Topics
• Introduction to Economics
• Consumers and Business
• Markets
• Labour Markets
• Financial Markets
• Government in the Economy
Year 12 Topics
• The Global Economy
• Australia’s Place in the Global Economy
• Economic Issues
• Economic Policies and Management
HSC EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
The HSC examination for Economics is a three-hour written paper that consists of four sections worth a total of 100 marks.
The examination assesses student understanding through a combination of objective-response, short-answer and extended-response questions.
Extended responses have an expected length of approximately 800 words.
UNIQUE FEATURES OF THIS COURSE
Economics provides students with practical insights into the functioning of markets, the role of government intervention and global economic trends. The course includes excursions to financial institutions, economic seminars and industry workshops when available, offering students firsthand experiences with real-world economic processes and policy discussions.
Further information is available on the NESA website.
If a student qualifies, the Business and Economics Life Skills Course is available in mainstream classes. More information on Life Skills courses can be found here.