Economics A Level

Why should I study this course?

Are the government’s spending cuts working?  Why is the price of petrol so high? Why is it so expensive to buy a house in Bristol?  Who benefits from globalisation? Can trade or aid really help poor countries? Why are some people paid so much more than others?  These are just a few examples of the questions economics deals with. The course will help you understand how the economy works and how it shapes our lives.  In addition, it will improve your understanding of current affairs and give you the tools to make sense of the most pressing issues of our time.

What will I learn?

Microeconomics: Analysing the operation of individual markets (such as the market for gold or the market for housing). You will use this analysis to evaluate government policies designed to improve or correct specific markets.  These include policies to control pollution and improve the environment, policies to control the behaviour of large companies and improve competition, and policies to improve the operation of the labour market.

Macroeconomics:  Analysing the operation of the economy as a whole, covering topics such as taxation, government spending and interest rates.  You will develop a theoretical understanding of how the UK authorities can use economic policies to achieve objectives such as low unemployment. This understanding will then extend into looking at the global economy and you will study how countries can work together to improve trade, and examine policies designed to enable less developed countries to achieve economic growth.

How will I learn?

Teacher–led activities, individual and group work, presentations, discussions, role-play and game simulations.  You will use newspapers, TV programmes and digital resources to research current economic issues. Guest speakers and visits to organisations and political institutions will give you a first-hand experience of the subject in action.  You will be formally assessed using data response questions and extended essay style answers.

What can I do with my qualification?

Studying the subject will help you gain a much deeper understanding of how the world you live in works and is shaped by economics.  The qualification demonstrates your analytical, problem-solving and evaluative skills and is highly regarded by universities and employers.  It provides a particularly good basis for entering degree courses in economics, politics, business, accountancy/finance, history/humanities, social science and related subjects.

What do students say?

“It has opened up new avenues for my future study”  - Year 12 economics student
“Economics helps you understand how the world really works” - Year 13 economics student