Economics

The aims of the Economics A-Level Economics (Edexcel A) curriculum are to:

• Develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for, the subject
• Appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment
• Develop an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability to use those concepts in a variety of different contexts
• Use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist
• Understand that economic behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives
• Develop analytical and quantitative skills, together with qualities and attitudes that will equip them for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life

The purpose of our A-Level Economic curriculum is to give students an excellent understanding of how economies allocate their scarce resources to meet the needs and wants of their citizens.

Our curriculum will enable students to explore different aspects of the economy. Through the teaching of powerful knowledge students will develop a greater understanding of the economic problems faced by individuals, firms and governments on a local, national, and global level and the alternative ways these problems can be resolved.

Students will investigate microeconomic topics such as how individual decisions impact economic outcomes, the importance of competition, how markets operate and why they fail and how the distribution of income and wealth is affected.

The curriculum will also focus on macroeconomics which includes the ‘big picture’ of how our national economy fits into the global context, the global impact of financial markets and monetary policy and the operation of the international economy.

Students will be encouraged to fully participate in their learning. They work as individuals, in pairs, small groups and whole class. The department expects students to value their work, storing notes in files which should be organised into topics as directed by the teacher of that component of the course. PowerPoints are used as well as news articles and video. Discussions are a key part of student learning in this subject. Overall, this curriculum will include a variety of different activities, including analysis of case studies, class debates/discussions and workshops to allow students to became true economists.

An Economics Society will be running to provide opportunities for students to present talks on topics of economic interest- this takes place online using MS Teams or in school. This provides further opportunity for students to hone oracy skills.

Students who choose to study this subject will develop the skills needed to understand complex markets but also gain strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Our curriculum will offer essential knowledge and students will have the opportunity to develop transferrable skills to support them in their journey to university or to pursue jobs in the financial sector, government, or public sector.

Content of the curriculum

The curriculum last two years and has the following content.

Exam structure

Three examinations:

• Paper 1 – 35% of total qualification (assessing Theme 1 and Theme 3 microeconomics). Comprising of three sections: multiple choice; data response; extended open response questions. Duration – 2 hours. 100 marks.
• Paper 2 – 35% of total qualification (assessing Theme 2 and Theme 4 macroeconomics). Comprising of three sections: multiple choice; data response; extended open response questions. Duration – 2 hours. 100 marks.
• Paper 3 – 30% of total qualification (assessing all four themes). Comprising of two sections: one data response; extended open response questions. Duration – 2 hours. 100 marks.