Economics A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

This course aims to encourage you to develop an enthusiasm for studying Economics. It is a social science that incorporates psychology with history, mathematics and law in the study of human behaviour in order to discuss and predict future expectations.

Course details:

The aims of this course are to develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life.

Unit 1: Introduction to markets and market failure

This theme introduces students to the microeconomic nature of economics, looking at economic problems and the ways economists think and work. Students will learn how to apply supply and demand analysis to real-world situations and be able to offer explanations of consumer behaviour. Students will then look at the nature and causes of market failure before considering the strengths and weaknesses of possible government intervention to remedy them.

Theme 2: The UK economy - performance and Policies

This theme introduces the key measures of economic performance and policy primarily in a UK context. Students will be introduced to the aggregate demand/aggregate supply model so that they can use it to analyse changes in real output and the price level. They will: examine the use of demand-side policies, supply-side policies and direct controls as means of improving an economy's performance; recognise the underlying assumptions; predict the likely impact and effectiveness of such policies; and consider these in an historical context.

Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market

This theme examines how the number and size of market participants, and the level of contestability, and its affect the pricing and nature of competition among firms. Students will consider the size and growth of firms through exploring organic growth, mergers and takeovers. Students will look at the rational assumption that firms are profit maximisers and then challenge this by looking at alternative business objectives. Students will then be able to analyse and evaluate the pricing and output decisions of firms in different contexts and understand the role of competition in business decision making. Supply and demand analysis is specifically applied to the labour market to see how wages are determined in competitive and non-competitive markets.

Theme 4:

Students will be expected to understand the significance of globalisation, international trade, the balance of payments and exchange rates. They will examine public finance, macroeconomic policies and the role of the financial sector in a global context. Students will consider the factors influencing the growth and development of emerging and developing countries.

How will I be assessed?

You will study all 4 themes over 2 years. At the end of the course you will sit three examinations.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

An Economics A level can take you into higher education involving the study of economics or any accountancy, finance or management degree course. Economics is a highly regarded A level qualification combining essay writing skills with skills of analysis, evaluation and numeracy. It is an excellent qualification that will take you into a wide range of business and professional service sector employment, including banking, finance, insurance, accountancy, management and corporate law.