What does the course entail?

Who should study Economics ATAR?

For students thinking of going to university, the study of a humanities course will help to provide you with a broader understanding of society.
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Economics offers students the ability to grow their understanding of the ways in which individuals, businesses and governments best utilise the limited resources at their disposal. Students study both economic concepts and their real world application. This allows them to develop a great understanding of economic issues and goes a long way to preparing them for post school life.

What doors can economics ATAR Open?

Economics is one of the most popular university courses and introduction to economics is often a pre-requisite for undergraduate courses.
A study of economics can lead to a whole range of occupations, including, but not limited to:
  • business
  • marketing and public relations
  • journalism
  • advertising
  • law
  • human resources
  • political science
  • real estate
  • management
  • banking and finance
  • international development and international relations
"Having studies both Modern History and Economics, I have learnt how real world events have impacted our lives and I now better understand how things may play out in the future."
- Callum B -

What will be covered in this course?

YEAR 11
UNITS 1 & 2

Unit 1 – Microeconomics
This unit is an introduction to microeconomics and explores the role of the market in determining the wellbeing of individuals and society. Students explore the workings of real world markets with an emphasis on the Australian economy.
Topics include:
  • Demand, supply and equilibrium
  • The interaction between governments and markets
  • The effects of government policies

Unit 2 – Macroeconomics
This unit is an introduction to macroeconomics and explores economic growth, inflation and unemployment with an emphasis on the Australian economy. Students learn it is important to measure and monitor changes in these macroeconomic indicators as changes in the level of economic activity affect the wellbeing of individuals and society
Topics include:
  • Macroeconomic activity
  • Economic growth, unemployment, inflation and income distribution
  • Taxation, economic objectives and the government’s macroeconomic performance

YEAR 12
UNITS 3 & 4

Unit 3 – Australia and the global economy
This unit explores the interdependence of Australia and the rest of the world. Australia is a relatively open economy and, as such, is influenced by changes in the world economy.
Topics include:
  • Global interdependence, free trade and protection, pattern of trade
  • Balance of payments and terms of trade
  • Exchange rates and foreign investment

Unit 4 – Economic policies and management
This unit explores the economic objectives of the Australian Government and the actions and policies taken in the pursuit of these objectives. Changes in the level of economic activity influence the policy mix and the government’s capacity to achieve its objectives.
Topics include:
  • Economic policy objectives
  • Fiscal and monetary policy
  • Structural change and measures to increase productivity
What is the assessment structure?
There are three types of assessment in the Economics ATAR course.
They are:
  • Data Interpretation/Short Answer
An answer of less than 150 words that can include discuss, explain or analyse an economic concept, event or issue.
Formats can include: Multiple choice questions, calculations and/or short answer questions that can require a description, explanation or application of economic concepts theories and/or models. Typical questions require students to interpret real or hypothetical economic data or information, such as graphs, table, text or cartoons. Typical tasks are a combination of these formats.
  • Extended Answer
The question can require a description, discussion, explanation and/or analysis of an economic concept, issue or event and the application of economic theories and/or models.
Formats can include: An essay, a sectionalised long answer, an investigation and/or a response to a scenario or a case study.
Most of these assessments will be undertaken in test conditions.
  • Examination
The examination is formatted to be a reflection of the WACE exam.
Head of Learning Area: Mr Jamie Paganoni
Contact Number: 9591 4219
​Contact Email: [email protected]