ECONOMICS TUITION: UNDERSTANDING THE H1 AND H2 ECONS SYLLABUS

H1 Economics Syllabus

The H1 Economics syllabus focuses on developing candidates' knowledge, understanding, interpretation, evaluation, application, and analysis of Economic concepts and principles. Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Economic concepts and theories (AO1), interpret and evaluate Economic information presented in various forms (AO2), apply relevant Economic concepts to analyse contemporary issues and construct coherent Economic arguments (AO3), and critically evaluate perspectives, policies, and assumptions while synthesising Economic arguments (AO4). This A Level syllabus aims to equip candidates with the necessary skills to analyse Economic issues, evaluate policy choices, and make well-reasoned judgments and decisions.

The H1 Economics examination consists of one compulsory written examination paper, which is case-study-based.

Paper 1: Case Studies

• Overall Marks: 90 marks

• Weighting: 100%

• Duration: 3 hours

Paper 1 of the H1 Economics examination consists of two case studies, each containing two to three pages of data presented in textual, numerical, or graphical format. These case studies will address contemporary Economic issues or policies, potentially covering multiple themes from the syllabus. Following the data, there will be six to eight part-questions, including sub-parts, which will require candidates to analyse, synthesise, and evaluate Economic issues, perspectives, or policies using relevant Economic concepts, theories, and principles, with reference to the provided data. The case study questions will be weighted with approximately 18 marks allocated to data response questions and around 27 marks allocated to higher-order questions.

H2 Economics Syllabus

The H2 Economics syllabus is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of Economic concepts, theories, and principles throughout their study for their A Level examinations. It aims to develop their ability to use Economic reasoning to analyse and explain Economic issues, critically evaluate perspectives and decisions of Economic agents, and make well-reasoned economic arguments based on evidence. The syllabus also places emphasis on the utilisation of the acquisition of analytical tools and the ability to read critically from diverse sources to stay informed about changing Economic activities and policies.

The H2 Economics examination consists of two papers: Paper 1, which is case study-based, and Paper 2, which focuses on essay questions.

Paper 1: Case Studies

• Overall Marks: 60 marks

• Weighting: 40%

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 1 of the H2 Economics examination consists of two mandatory case studies that students must address comprehensively. Each case study carries a weightage of 30 marks, which corresponds to 20% of the total marks for the paper. Within each case study, approximately 12 marks are allocated to data response questions, providing an opportunity for students to analyse and interpret economic data. The remaining 18 marks are dedicated to higher-order questions that require students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of Economic concepts and apply critical thinking skills.

Paper 2: Essays

• Overall Marks: 75 marks

• Weighting: 60%

• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Paper 2 of the H2 Economics examination consists of a total of six essay questions, providing students with a range of topics to demonstrate their understanding and analysis of Economic concepts. Candidates are required to answer three essay questions, ensuring that one question is chosen from Section A, one from Section B, and the third question can be selected from either section. Section A encompasses three essay questions that primarily delve into microeconomics, while Section B focuses on three essay questions centred around macroeconomics. Each question carries a weightage of 25 marks.

Themes Covered in the H1 and H2 Economics Syllabus

The H1 and H2 Economics syllabus covers a range of themes that aim to equip candidates with a comprehensive understanding of basic Economic concepts and analytical tools. This knowledge enables them to view Economics from the diverse perspectives of various Economic agents and gain insights into the Economic issues and policy considerations that affect their daily lives. The syllabus adopts a thematic approach to facilitate a deeper understanding of Economics. It encompasses three core themes that we will also cover in our A Levels Economics tuition include:

1. The Central Economic Problem

Theme 1 of the Economics syllabus introduces candidates to the fundamental concept of the Central Economic Problem, which arises due to the presence of unlimited wants and limited resources. By exploring the notions of scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost, candidates gain an understanding of how economic agents grapple with this problem. They will learn to analyse available information and consider perspectives, constraints, costs, and benefits in their decision-making processes. Moreover, candidates will develop an awareness that Economic decisions can have both intended and unintended consequences. This theme also serves as the building block for the subsequent study of microeconomic and macroeconomic topics in Themes 2 and 3, respectively, where the decision-making approach and the concepts of scarcity, choice, and opportunity cost resurface.

2. Markets

Theme 2 of the Economics syllabus focuses on the intricate workings of markets in addressing the fundamental Central Economic Problem and the decision-making processes of economic agents operating within these markets. It teaches students how the price mechanism guides the allocation of resources and addresses the questions of what, how, and for whom to produce. Through the exploration of microeconomic analysis, candidates will gain insights into the strategies employed by firms to achieve their objectives and recognise the potential trade-offs and inefficiencies that may arise from consumer and producer decisions. Additionally, the theme examines the role of government intervention in improving market efficiency and equity, while acknowledging the limitations and unintended consequences associated with such measures. By delving into real-world microeconomic issues, candidates will have the opportunity to apply economic reasoning and analysis to both local and global market contexts.

3. The National and International Economy

Within Theme 3 of the Economics syllabus, candidates delve into the intricacies of the national and international economy, gaining a comprehensive understanding of their functioning and interconnections. Building upon the concepts and principles explored in Themes 1 and 2, candidates analyse the scarcity of resources and the notion of trade-offs at the national level. They examine how governments make policy choices aimed at enhancing living standards, taking into account competing needs, costs, benefits, trade-offs, and consequences. Starting with the circular flow of the income model and the concepts of aggregate demand and supply, candidates apply these frameworks to analyse macroeconomic issues and government decisions within a national context. They explore the factors, both domestic and external, that influence economic growth, price stability, employment, and balance of trade and assess their impact on a country's standard of living.

Should I choose H1 or H2 Economics?

H1 Economics and H2 Economics differ in terms of depth and breadth of content coverage. H1 Economics provides a fundamental understanding of Economic concepts and theories, focusing on key principles and tools of Economic analysis. It offers a more concise study of the subject, allowing students to grasp the foundational aspects of economics. Moreover, H1 Econs examinations mainly focus on case studies.

On the other hand, H2 Economics offers a more comprehensive and rigorous examination of Economic concepts, theories, and applications. It explores a wider range of topics, delving into microeconomics and macroeconomics in greater detail. H2 Economics equips students with a deeper understanding of economic principles and their real-world implications, enabling them to analyse and evaluate complex Economic issues with a higher level of sophistication, allowing for the application in real life.

Here are some things to consider when deciding between the two:

1. Subject combinations at a JC level are partially dependent on the combination that you choose. For example, schools may offer H2 Maths, Chemistry and Physics, with H1 Economics as the contrasting art subject. To decide on H1 or H2 Economics, refer to the subject combination list available for each school.
2. Subsequently, choose the subjects based on what you are good at and note that H1 Econs covers the fundamental concepts of micro and macro economics, while the H2 Econs syllabus covers the subject in depth.

As a general rule of thumb, consider factors such as, am I interested in the subject? Is Economics of use to my future plans, i.e will you proceed in further studies as an NUS economics student or a public university?

While there are no definite rules to choosing H1 or H2 Economics, always plan ahead based on the feasibility of the plan and the advice of those around you.

Practice Economics Through illum.e

A Levels Economics tuition is a great way to break down the concepts covered in both the H1 and H2 Economics syllabus into digestible bits of information. At our MOE-registered tuition centre, we strive for students to succeed in their Economics exams. Our priority is to cover the grounds that were left out by schools and allow students to maintain competitiveness in the top Junior Colleges.

To book a session with us or learn more about how we teach economics do not hesitate to contact us.