Economics

Seeking to develop independent enquirers

We offer students the opportunity to study A'Level Economics in Years 12 and 13. Further details about the A'Level course are available on the Sixth Form website.

Vision

By considering human behaviour, both individually and on a macroeconomic level, students are asked to reflect on what are the ‘best’ decisions, and who they are ‘best’ for. They investigate issues such as how we measure wealth & whether this is the best measure of ‘progress’. All students will need a grasp of fundamental economic concepts to help become effective global citizens (encouraging an awareness of diversity), and to help them make the most successful decisions for their material progress, and also for their sense of wellbeing. The assessment of progress, and the rationale behind decisions helps engender a sense of belonging and community, and gives a wider perspective on decisions. The focus on individual human behaviour encourages a sense of individual responsibility in decision making. Students will tackle these challenging issues through deployment of relevant knowledge, skills in handling and interpreting data, and the ability to form extended answers that analyse and evaluate issues within economics, leading them to informed judgements. They will emerge as students who aim to understand and evaluate, rather than’ blindly accept’.

Economics Learning Journey

This is a visual representation of how students' knowledge and skills develop through the Economics curriculum.

(click on the image below to view a larger version)

Why study Economics?

Our world is dominated by Economics, whether you realise it or not! Therefore we often relate our studies to current affairs, and economic developments within and beyond the UK. Economics is a social science, that combines well with a broad range of subjects including Maths, English, History and Geography. You will be dealing with economic theory and seeing how this theory fits the real world. You will be applying economic concepts to contemporary UK economic and social issues such as how to achieve economic growth, tackle unemployment, and control rising prices. Should interest rates be changed? What level should the minimum wage be? Should there even be a minimum wage? Should the government/EU subsidise farmers? What is the future of the Euro? How can government reduce the budget deficit? What will be the impact of Brexit be?

You will develop critical skills and be able to analyse and evaluate the effects of government policies and objectives on the economy. Economics is a rigorous and well respected A-level and as such is highly valued by HE institutions and employers. It can lead to careers in accountancy, banking, financial services, the law, and much more! Many students go on to take degrees in Economics, Management, Business and Finance.

Course details

Theme 1

• Introduction to markets and market failure
• The nature of economics; how markets work; Market Failure; Government Intervention (this Theme introduces microeconomics)

Theme 2

• The UK Economy – performance and policies
• Measuring economic performance; aggregate demand; aggregate supply; national income; economic growth and macroeconomic objectives and policy

Theme 3

• Business behaviour and the labour market
• Business growth; Business objectives; Costs, revenues, profits; Market structures; Labour market; Government intervention

Theme 4

• A global perspective
• International economics; poverty and inequality; emerging and developing economies; the financial sector; role of the state in the macroeconomy

How the course is taught and assessed

We study economic theory and see how this fits the real world. We relate economic theory to what has happened in the UK and world economy. There is no coursework in Economics. A student conference helps to enhance and extend learning beyond the classroom.

Exam Paper 1: Microeconomics
A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions; one data response question and one open extended response question (choice of one from two)

Exam Paper 2: Macroeconomics
A mixture of multiple choice and short answer questions; one data response question and one open extended response question (choice of one from two)

Exam Paper 3
Questions drawn from all themes. Two data response and one open extended response question (choice of one from two)

A'Level Economics Exam specification information