Economics - A Level

• A social science concerned with the "Basic Economic Problem": finite resources versus infinite human wants.
• Microeconomics: Focuses on the small details, such as price determination (e.g., why diamonds cost more than water) and government provision of essential services like healthcare.
• Microeconomics focuses on how consumers, businesses, and markets make decisions. Students explore supply and demand, market failure, business behaviour, competition, labour markets, and government intervention in markets.
• Macroeconomics: Focuses on the overall picture, including international economic collapses and global trade.
• Macroeconomics examines the performance of the wider economy. Students investigate economic growth, inflation, unemployment, international trade, globalisation, and the role of government policies in managing the national and global economy.

The course uses established theories to explain economic behavior and applies them to current events.

Theme 1: Introduction to Markets and Market Failure

Theme 2: The UK Economy – Performance and Policies

Theme 3: Business Behaviour and the Labour Market

Theme 4: A Global Perspective

Year 13 student

"Starting Economics at A level has been an exciting and engaging experience because it studies the ever-changing world around us. It goes well with my two other subjects - Spanish and Product Design - as well as many others like Geography and Politics.

Next year I hope to study International Relations and Spanish at University. Economics has definitely inspired my choice of degree."

Students sit external examinations at the end of the course.

Assessment involves applying and analysing theories in real-world markets and global contexts.

The course is split into both Micro & Macro Economics. All 4 themes across Y12 & Y13 are assessed at the end of Y13 across three 2hr exams; Paper 1 (Micro), Paper 2 (Macro) & Paper 3 which is synoptic and assesses all 3 themes.

• At least a grade 6 in GCSE English Language and a grade 6 in GCSE Maths
• While most students will not have studied the subject before, a keen interest in current affairs is vital.
• Students must be able to use transferable skills such as data interpretation, application, analysis, and writing.

Students are encouraged to extend their understanding of Economics beyond the classroom through a range of enrichment opportunities. These include trips, guest speakers from industry and participation in essay competitions linked to Finance, Banking, and Economics.

Students are also supported in accessing super-curricular resources such as podcasts, documentaries, business and economics journals, articles, books, and online lectures to develop wider economic awareness and prepare for university study.

Year 13 work builds directly on Year 12 knowledge to prepare students for university-level analysis.

This course provides a strong foundation for degrees in Economics, Finance, Geography and other Social Sciences.

Economics A-Level students in the UK can apply for degree apprenticeships in areas like banking, government economics, finance, and consultancy with organisations such as the Bank of England and the Government Economic Service. These programmes allow students to earn a salary while studying for a degree and gaining real-world experience in economic analysis and policy.

• Highly valued by employers for developing people who can crisply and concisely convey information and manipulate ideas.
• Prepares students for careers in journalism, TV broadcasting, writing, publishing, law, and other communications-based roles.