Economics aims to:

• Stimulate students’ curiosity and interest in the economic environment and how they interact with it.
• Develop a set of skills, knowledge and values that enables students to understand the economic forces which affect their everyday lives, their society and their economy at local, national and global levels, making them more informed as decisionmakers.

The objectives of Leaving Certificate Economics are to enable students to:

• understand the economy within which people act locally, nationally and globally
• appreciate the ethical, historical, social and environmental dimensions of economics, and reflect on how economics contributes to the social and political development of society
• build their knowledge and understanding of economic terminology, concepts and principles, and develop the skills needed to apply this knowledge and understanding to familiar and unfamiliar situations
• develop skills in critical and creative thinking around contemporary economic, political and social issues, while appreciating different perspectives, and providing informed solutions to a problem
• research and analyse qualitative and quantitative economic information and data from various sources, present and justify conclusions and make informed decisions
• discuss, explain and communicate the outcomes of their analysis and activities in verbal, graphical and other forms, using technology where appropriate.

Leaving Certificate Economics provides continuity and progression in business education that begins in the primary school curriculum and is built on in junior cycle and senior cycle where many subjects have close links to economics.

Economics can lead to many exciting and rewarding careers, from being a policy developer, financial advisor, analyst or journalist.

It extends and enhances our understanding of why people, firms and the government make certain choices and how these choices impact personally, locally, nationally and globally.

It develops students’ self-awareness and encourages active citizenship and engagement in the wider community.

Economics can lead to many exciting and rewarding careers, from being a policy developer, financial advisor, analyst or journalist.

MODE__________________________________ORDINARY LEVEL___________________HIGHER LEVEL

Written examination____________________________80_________________________________80%

Section A Choice of short answer questions______20%________________________________ 20%

Section B Choice of extended response questions_60%________________________________60%

Research study Report__________________________ 20%_______________________________20%

Total                                                                                  100%                            100%