Course Choices Video
Why study A-level Economics?
Are you curious about how the world works, willing to learn, eager for a challenge, and interested in laying the foundation for a successful career? If so, then you should consider studying economics at A-level.
Economics is the study of how societies, governments, businesses, households, and individuals allocate their scarce resources. Learning how to develop and test conceptual models of behaviour to predict responses to changes in policy and market conditions will allow you to:
- Communicate complex economic issues effectively
- Learn how to apply appropriate quantitative methods to a range of economic issues
- Develop a deeper understanding of the economy
- Develop research, analytical and creative thinking skills
What are the careers or further education that this course be suitable for?
This A-level course offers suitable preparation for careers in banking, investment banking, business management, business analysis, corporate economics, accountancy, economic forecasting, government research and economic modelling. There are many opportunities in Higher Education to study both economics and economics related degree courses.
Key Information Summary:
Course Title | Economics |
Examination Board | AQA |
Linear Qualification? | Yes |
Course Webpage | https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/economics/as-and-a-level |
Entry Requirements | Grade 5 in English
language or English literature, and a Grade 6 in mathematics. |
Contact Teachers | Mr C Hall: chall@wilmslowhigh.com |
Course Details:
The AQA Economics course is intended to captivate the imagination of students so that, when they leave the classroom, they will want to explore and read around the subject further.
While serving as an introduction to the study of Economics, the specification will also provide opportunities for stretch and challenge to extend students’ understanding of the world of economics. With this in mind, the specifications will appeal to students across the ability range.
At the heart of the course will be its relevance to the modern world; the topicality is designed to engage students and facilitate an understanding of their role in society. The stimulating specification content will encourage them to develop their skills as independent learners, critical thinkers and decision-makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to higher education and/or the workplace.
Subject Content:
Component 1 focuses on ‘microeconomics’. From a base of microeconomic theory, it will enable students to discuss and evaluate how well this theory explains our observations of economic agents in the real world. The theoretical workings of the free market provide a useful starting point for explanation and analysis. Imperfections and market failures provide a lead into discussing the merits and drawbacks of government intervention and the usefulness of theory in explaining observations taken from the real world of economics.Component 2 focuses on ‘macroeconomics’. It will provide students with the technical and analytical tools required to understand how the macroeconomy functions on both the domestic and global levels. The course encourages students to adopt a critical approach to their study of policy through understanding the limitations and conflicts that they present. Policy approaches are also considered in a historical context to understand how macroeconomics has changed over time.
The A-level also has a Component 3, focusing on economic principles and issues. The assessment of this component will be synoptic in nature and will draw on content from both the microeconomics and macroeconomics components, applied to particular themes.
Assessment details:
A-level – 2 Year Course |
Paper 1 (33.3% of A-level) Paper 2 (33.3% of A-level) |