Economics

• Course Overview
• Assessment & Examination
• Resources
• Prior Knowledge
• Beyond The Course
• Entry Requirements

Course Overview

In studying A Level Economics you will explore the relationship between an individual's decisions and wider economic systems, looking at different viewpoints and perspectives to better understand the difficult choices we have to make in society.

You will also begin to appreciate how policy makers try to solve economic problems caused by our actions, by intervening to correct for market failure. The course is split into two main sections, microeconomic issues and macroeconomic issues, although you will need to appreciate that these two areas are interchangeable and not mutually exclusive. You will acquire competence in quantitative skills and hone your analytical thinking and problem solving skills to better evaluate arguments and support judgements relating to economic issues.

Assessment & Examination

You will sit three 2 hour examinations at the end of your two years of study, each being worth 80 marks, 33% of the A Level.

Paper 1 - Markets and market failure - a microeconomic paper featuring data response questions requiring written answers and a choice of essay questions.

Paper 2 - National and international economy - a macroeconomic paper featuring data response questions requiring written answers and a choice of essay questions.

Paper 3 - Economic principles and issues - a synoptic paper with 30 multiple-choice questions followed by one large case study accompanied by a series of contextualised questions.

Resources

You will only need basic stationery and a non-scientific calculator. However, there are a number of academic text books which are recommended reading and we would encourage you to purchase copies.

Prior Knowledge

There is no expectation that you have any prior knowledge of economics. It is preferable, however, that you are already active in engaging with contemporary business and economic news stories, across a wide range of media sources.

Beyond The Course

The reformed A Level in Economics is well respected, and Economics is one of the fastest growing A Level subjects. The course can provide a strong foundation for careers in a wide range of business and management roles, or indeed as preparation for a career as an economist.

The qualification will help you to access university courses in a wide rangeof disciplines including accountancy, economics, business management and marketing.

Entry Requirements

GCSE Level 6 in either Business Studies, Economics, Geography or History.

Entry to Sixth Form also requires:

• GCSE Level 5 in English Language or English Literature;
• GCSE Level 5 in Maths;
• Four other GCSEs at Level 5, in addition to English and Maths.