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Economics

Economics is about the world around us; it’s current; it’s about the modern world; it’s about how we behave, how businesses behave and how the government behaves."

James McCullagh, BBC Young Apprentice

This course provides the opportunity for students to explore the world and how its resources are managed. The students develop skills in investigation, problem solving, creativity, analysis and evaluation whilst learning how countries, governments and businesses operate.

Students are encouraged to explore the world around them taking an interest in current affairs including politics and economic policy.

Typical topics studied include Supply & Demand, Globalisation, Exchange Rates, Elasticity, Market Structures, Market Failure, Macro Economic Objectives, EU, National Minimum Wage, Trade Unions, Economic Policy.

There are three two hour exams at A2 each worth 33% of the qualification.

Entry Requirement 

A minimum of grade 4 in Maths and English Lang plus at least 3 other GCSEs at grade 5

Subject Specific Requirements

Grade 6 in Economics (if taken). Grade 5 in  English and Maths.

Assessment

Exams:

Component 1
Economic decision making, Price determination, production costs and revenue, Competitive markets and monopolies, the Labour market and distribution of income

Data response
1 Written exam:2 hours
80 marks
33.3% of A-Level
Data response question worth 40 marks
Essay question 40 marks

Component 2
Circular flow of income, Economic              Performance, Financial markets and        monetary policy, Fiscal policy and the            International economy

Data response
1 Written exam:2 hours
80 marks
33.3% of A-Level
Data response question worth 40 marks
Essay question 40 marks

Component 3

All content

 

1 Written exam:2 hours
80 marks
33.3% of A-Level
Multiple choice questions worth 30 marks
Case study and question worth 50 marks

Future Applications

The broad scope and relevance of the subject makes it useful preparation for almost any degree course that contains an economic, financial or Business component or module. Students studying A-level Economics have gone on to work in a wide variety of occupations relating to  finance and business.

Alumni

Sam  - Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE) at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University
Martin– Economics & Management at Durham University
Jordan– Real Estate Management at Northampton University