Resource

Economic Cycles

Economics frames many of the day-to-day decisions we have to make. Be it about work, leisure, saving or spending, all aspects of our lives are impacted by the economy.

 

Photo Credit: Anna Dziubinska / Unsplash

Overview

This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives.

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will:

  • Understand the basic concept of economic cycles and key terms such as GDP, recovery, growth and recession
  • Have explored a range of key indicators that demonstrate a growing or shrinking economy
  • Have critically examined the impact the different stages of economic cycles can have on individuals in a range of circumstances.

Acknowledgements:

This classroom resource was developed in partnership with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting. Their support enabled this specialist resource to be distributed to schools for free.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS2 (ages 7-11)

What is an Infectious Disease?

In this lesson pupils consider how infections can spread rapidly through a population and are introduced to the different infectious agents that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitic organisms).…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

World Female Ranger Day (KS2)

During this lesson children will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

COVID and the Economy

During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Be Your Own Councillor

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS5 (ages 16-18)

The Government and the Economy

By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is Debt?

Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Trials Classroom Pack

The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS5 (ages 16-18)

The Government and the Economy

By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...