Economics
There are four main units in A level economics. In Theme 1, you will learn about how markets work and how they can go wrong, as well as what the Government can do about it. A good example of this is smoking and the issues it causes for those who smoke and those affected by second-hand smoke. In Theme 2, you will study the economy as a whole, looking at economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and trade.
By the end of Year 12, you will have a good understanding of how the Government makes decisions and be able to discuss current affairs knowledgably. In Theme 3, you will look at different types of market structures, such as monopolies, and in Theme 4, you will look at development economics and why different countries are at different stages of economic development.
Exam Board
Edexcel Economics A
Summer Transition Work
What Skills Do I Need?
You don’t need to have studied economics or business before, but you need a keen interest in current affairs and the world around you. You will need to be confident in your GCSE mathematics, working with percentages and re-arranging simple formulae. You should be able to think critically about your decisions.
Exams and Assessment
Paper 1 and 2
These are both 2 hours and will consist of a section of multiple choice and short answer questions, then a data response section, and finally a long essay section. Paper 1 will examine Themes 1 and 3, and paper 2 will examine Themes 2 and 4.
Paper 3
Paper 3 will synoptically assess all the themes, asking you to make links throughout the subject
Why Should I Choose Economics?
You care about the world around you. You want to learn how Governments and people work. You want to understand what the news is telling you. You want to learn to critically examine the way you think.
