Economics
Examination Board: Edexcel
Course Code: 9EC0
Entry Requirements: Grade 7 in Maths and Grade 6 in English at GCSE
Why study Economics?
Studying Economics requires students to think logically and analytically, to clearly articulate abstract facts and to have a keen interest in current events and policies. Economics fits with a range of other A Level subjects as it necessitates scientific rigour, intellectual curiosity, as well as independent and critical reasoning.
Economics is a highly versatile subject that provides many different career pathways. Many students decide to study the subject at university, and from there go on to work as economists in various fields such as with the Bank of England, the CBI, accountancy firms, in economic ‘think-tanks, in charitable organisations, in multinational corporations, or in government departments.
What will I study? The course covers the areas of micro and macroeconomics, over four themes.
- Theme 1 – Introduction to markets and market failure - deals with concepts such as the basic economic problem, demand and supply analysis, market failure and government intervention.
- Theme 2 – The UK economy, performance and policies - deals with concepts such as economic growth, inflation, employment, balance of payments, along with the macroeconomic policies of the UK government.
- Theme 3 – Business behaviour and the labour market - deals with business growth and objectives, revenues costs and profits, market structures such as monopoly and perfect competition, and labour market economics.
- Theme 4 – A global perspective - deals with international economics concepts such as globalisation, trade, exchange rates, poverty, inequality, economic development and the role of financial markets.
How will I study?
Teaching in Economics is engaging and varied. In-class lessons include presentations, case studies, videos, research and problem-solving tasks (individual and in groups), self and peer assessment as well as class discussions.
Students are set, weekly, three additional hours of independent learning to expand the breadth and depth of their knowledge and critical thinking. We also run weekly Enrichment session to stretch the most able.
How will I be assessed?
At the end of Year 13, students take three 2-hour written exams consisting of data-based multiplechoice, short and extended questions.
- Paper 1: Markets and business behaviour – 35% of final mark
- Paper 2: The national and global economy – 35% of final mark
- Paper 3: Microeconomics and macroeconomics – 30% of final mark
