Can I Study IGCSE Economics Online?

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The International GCSEs are the most commonly studied curriculum around the world, based on the UK high school education system and adapted for a global student base. IGCSE Economics is one of the many IGCSE subjects offered as an online course at CGA. Mrs. Amelia McKenzie, CGA's Economics Teacher, and head of IGCSE Economics, has taught students online since the school opening in 2020.

Based on her extensive background in Economics, students taking IGCSE Economics will learn to understand economic problems, issues, and possible solutions that affect economies. In this blog, Mrs. McKenzie shares her passion for economics and explains how taking IGCSE Economics online can help students achieve their university admission goals.

Can I Take IGCSE Economics Online?

Yes, you can! Studying online gives students the freedom to learn in their way. With full-time or part-time options, students can choose to take IGCSE Economics as a standalone subject alongside their normal schooling or complete their entire curriculum online. For students interested in banking, finance, accounting, or the world of money, IGCSE Economics is the perfect place to start.

This IGCSE course provides students with a thorough understanding of economic principles and the functioning of economies. If you are looking to major in one of these areas at university, IGCSE offers a rigorous international curriculum recognised by universities worldwide, bringing you one step closer to your university goals.

Learn IGCSE Economics From The Expert

If you really want to excel in IGCSE Economics, what better way than to learn all the necessary tips and tricks then from CGA's Head of IGCSE Economics? Mrs. McKenzie shares her expertise, and for parents, provides insights on how to support their child in achieving academic success in this subject.

What inspired you to become a Economics Teacher?

I have wanted to be a teacher since I was in primary school! I never knew if I wanted to teach primary or secondary-age students until I started Economics myself in secondary school. I fell in love with the subject as I loved learning about how the world works and why people make the choices they do. I also liked that Economics has a nice mix of maths and English skills.

As an expert in teaching Economics online, what key advice would you give to students to excel in this subject?

Learning how to draw economic models is key to IGCSE Economics. Students can learn how to draw these models by drawing them out by hand on flashcards, drawing them using your stylist on OneNote, doing mixing and matching activities, using online quizzes, and using acronyms to memorise what causes changes in the models.

These models are the backbone of economic analysis, illustrating how different variables interact within an economy. Here's a further breakdown:

• Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each day to practice drawing models by hand or using digital tools like OneNote. This repetition helps solidify understanding of economic principles
• Use Flashcards: Economic models can be a mix of diagrams, graphs, or even mathematical equations. Students should create flashcards with different models and their components to help with memorisation and quick recall during exams.
• Acronyms and Mnemonics: Develop acronyms to remember key concepts and changes in models. This technique can make some of the more complex economic principles easier to remember.

What are some common misconceptions or challenges that students face in IGSCE Economics?

A common challenge in Economics is the misconception that it is purely a mathematical subject. Students need to be made aware that Economics does require a lot of writing. However, do not fear! Your teacher will support you with this process and give you writing frameworks that you will use to strengthen your economic writing.

It's also important to reach out to your Economics teacher for regular feedback on your writing to identify areas of improvement. The more you practice, the easier it will become to communicate your ideas.

What study strategies do you recommend for students to retain and apply knowledge effectively?

You need to find a way that works for you to memorise the course content. This could be summarising notes, creating posters, videos, flashcards, getting someone else to test you on questions, or using websites like Quizlet.

Creative Tools: Use posters and videos to visualise economic concepts. These can be particularly useful for visual learners.

Timed Practice: It is key that students also apply their knowledge by completing examination-style questions under time constraints.

Some great recommended resources for IGSCE exam study include:

• Quizlet: Offers flashcards and quizzes on various economic topics. It's a great tool for memorising definitions and key concepts.
• Seneca: Provides interactive courses with summaries and quizzes. It's particularly useful for economics exam revision.
• Socrative: Allows teachers to create quizzes that students can take, and helps to test knowledge and understanding.
• Edpuzzle: Incorporates videos with embedded questions. It helps students visualise and understand complex theories through multimedia content.

Solved in Minutes Series: Economics

Videos are an easy and effective way to break down complex topics for exam review. CGA's "Solved in Minutes" series is hosted by our top educators. In our very first episode, Mrs. McKenzie, breaks down 'Price Elasticity of Supply' for our economic students. Through a quick and clear explanation, she makes this economic principle accessible to students, ensuring they can easily grasp how changes in price affect the quantity supplied of a product.

See how our CGA teachers go beyond their classroom roles to help students succeed.

How can students develop a passion for Economics and stay motivated throughout their academics?

Students should create SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, timebound) goals at the start of the year and keep checking back to these to stay motivated. Students should also regularly check and participate in the bus-econ news slack channel to keep up to date with what is happening around the world.

• SMART Goals: Define clear, achievable objectives for your studies. Regularly review and adjust these goals to stay on track.
• Stay Informed: Engage with the bus-econ news Slack channel or other economic news sources such as the Financial Times, The Economist, or Forbes, to get a further understanding of real-world applications.
• Join Discussions: Participate in discussions with peers and teachers around current economic topics.

How can parents support their children's learning in IGCSE Economics outside of the classroom?

For current parents, they can check if their child is keeping up to date with their homework via CGA's parent portal system, to track different assignments and deadlines.

All parents can encourage their child to read economic news and discuss it with them. This can help them see the relevance of what they are learning and develop more interest in the subject.

Major in Economics Online

At CGA, we offer a variety of subjects for students aiming to major in Economics at university. From commerce to business, project management, and more, our online courses help students build an impressive academic portfolio of internationally recognised subjects for their university applications.

IGCSE Economics

Our IGCSE Economics course introduces students to new ideas and concepts while reinforcing previously learned skills. The course focuses on providing a solid understanding of economics and the ability to apply this knowledge in the context of both individual countries and the global economy.

AP Microeconomics

For those interested in becoming statisticians, AP Microeconomics focuses on using statistical tools to explain economic concepts. In this course students will practice their drawing skills of economic principles and models, explain economic outcomes, determine the results of specific economic situations.

US Diploma Project Management

In this course, students learn essential project management skills, such as managing deliverables and engaging stakeholders. Understanding these concepts shows universities that you are well-versed in the practical applications of economic principles, making you a strong candidate for an Economics major.

International A Level Business

Students in this course develop an understanding of business operations and strategies. Students who can analyze and interpret business environments, will make for an impressive applicant, as this is a key component of economic studies.

AP Macroeconomics

In this advanced placement course, students use graphs, charts, and data to analyse, describe, and explain economic concepts. Students taking this course will learn to understand fiscal and monetary policies, and explore the complexities of national and global economies.

Interested to learn where an Economics course can take you or your child? Speak to an Academic Advisor today for personalised guidance and support. Selecting the right subjects for your academic goals will help to strengthen your university applications.