Contact : Mr J Dhesi

Exam Board & Code : AQA AS 1141, A2 2141

Course : 2 Years to full A level

   

What is Economics A level about?

Economic forces have a major influence on the personal and working lives of all of us.  Governments are preoccupied with economic affairs and businesses are affected by the economic environment.  Economics is an applied subject and theory will be taught in the context of developments in the U.K. economy and will include the U.K.'s relationship with Europe and the rest of the world.  You will be introduced to a range of current economic issues.  These include consideration of important questions such as: Should the UK adopt the Euro?  What are the consequences of privatisation?  Why has the Bank of England increased interest rates?  How can government policy help the environment?  What should be done about road congestion and transport?  These and many other vital and interesting questions will be considered during the course. 

 

Is this course for me?

Economics is a subject which most students choose for the first time.  It is NOT necessary to have studied either Economics or Business Studies at GCSE but you do need to have a good command of English and to be numerate, evidenced by GCSE grades A*-C in both English and Mathematics.

What else do I need to know?

A variety of teaching styles will be used. 

 

What do other students say?

‘Economics is an excellent way to combine the Arts and the Sciences.  Even if you are not planning to study Economics at University, interviewers are very impressed with the knowledge you gain.’  ‘Economics is a good basis for life ahead.  The subject is interesting, which has helped me to understand many of the principles involved in managing the British economy.  I hope to continue with the subject at University.’

 

Where could it lead?

Students can choose to do a degree in Economics.  Economists study trends and solve problems relating to the economy.  Their work can touch on almost any aspect of economic and social policy.  Government bodies, financial institutions and major businesses all rely on economists’ forecasts to help them plan future activities.

 

 

How is this course structured?

Unit Content	Unit Assessment
AS Unit 1:   Markets and Markets Failure. This will involve a study of the way in which prices are determined and resources are allocated in a market economy.  The reasons why governments intervene in markets to provide services such as health care and education will be considered.	50% of AS, 25% of A Level - 1 hour 15 minutes exam Section A:  multiple choice questions Section B:  data response questions
AS Unit 2:   The National Economy This will develop an understanding of how the macro-economy works. Government policy objectives such as unemployment, inflation and growth will be considered and the performance of the U.K. economy investigated.	50% of AS, 25% of A Level - 1 hour 15 minutes exam Section A:  multiple choice questions Section B:  data response questions
A2 Unit 3: Business Economics and the Distribution of Income This will include a study of firms in competitive and concentrated markets.  The labour market will also be investigated to analyse the forces which determine wages and the distribution of income and wealth.	25% of A Level - 2 hour exam Section A:  data response questions Section B:  essay questions
A2 Unit 4:   The National and International Economy The role of government and the Bank of England in managing the economy. The relationships between the U.K. economy and the rest of the world. The significance of globalisation and the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union.	25% of A Level - 2 hour exam Section A:  data response questions Section B:  essay questions

 

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