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, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

An Introduction to Human Rights

In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Looking Out For Others

In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Family Life

In this lesson pupils will think about what it means to be part of a family and how they can make a positive difference in their family life. Pupils will be…

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

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...

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, 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...

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

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

Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…

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

Who’s Really Paying for COVID?

Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...

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

An Introduction to Discrimination Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson looks at the history of anti-discrimination law, the different types of discrimination (i.e. direct and indirect discrimination) and how the law deals with discrimination. It can be delivered…

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is a Political Party?

This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

Housing Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

In this lesson students explore a range of different housing situations someone can find themselves in. They examine some of the common legal issues concerning housing including common landlord and…

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

Climate Action: Circular Economies

During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...