Economics A Level

Previous experience of Business Studies or Economics is not essential. It is anticipated that those entering the course will have achieved at least grade A for Maths and B for English at GCSE.

The overall aim of this course is to develop a wide range of skills which include:

• an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect our lives;
• the application of economic concepts and theories in a range of contexts and the appreciation of their value and limitations in explaining the way the real world functions;
• the skills to analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of government in it;
• a coherent understanding of a combination of micro- and macro-economic content and methods of enquiry;
• the ability to explore a range of current economic issues and to draw upon data from a wide range of sources;

The Course is made up of self-contained modules of six Units. Three Units will be taken for the Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Award, and the remaining three Units will be taken in the Upper Sixth for the Advanced (A2) Award.
Economics can be used to bridge the gap between Arts and Sciences, and it can be combined with a wide range of subjects. Students who are considering reading an Economics degree at University and/ or a career in Business later are strongly recommend including Maths as one of their subjects. The course does require students to articulate their ideas in a clear and concise form and for this reason students should feel confident of their writing skills if they chose this subject. Students should be aware that effective study of Economics demands academic rigour and high quality study skills.
In Economics it is important to translate the ideas learnt in lessons to the real world. For this reason there is a programme of visiting speakers and an annual visit to Europe.  Students who are considering Economics should have a strong desire to understand contemporary economic and political issues and to extend their learning beyond the classroom.