Economics is taught at A-Level and is an increasingly popular subject, no doubt due to the current economic climate and the subject’s high standing with Russell Group Universities. Students will be introduced to both microeconomics and macroeconomics, developing an understanding of how firms compete within the global economy and how governments seek to manage their economies. This subject requires students to learn to think like an economist and develop a high level of critical thinking and analytical skills. An interest in current affairs is essential.  

Co-curricular enrichment 

• In Year 13 students attend a Grade Booster Workshop in London. 

A-Level (Years 12 – 13) 

The course explores four themes: 

Theme 1: Introduction to markets and market failure 

The nature of economics; supply and demand. How competitive markets work; market failure. Government intervention and government failure. 

Theme 2: The UK economy – performance and policies 

Measures of economic performance; aggregate demand and aggregate supply; national income and macroeconomic equilibrium; economic growth. Macroeconomic objectives and policies. 

Theme 3: Business behaviour and the labour market 

Business growth; revenues costs, profits and objectives. Market structure. Pricing strategies and contestable markets. The labour market. Government intervention to promote competition. 

Theme 4: A global perspective 

Globalisation and trade; trading blocs. The balance of payments and exchange rates. Poverty and inequality; emerging and developing economies. Strategies influencing growth. The financial sector; the role of the central bank; the role of the state in the macroeconomy. Students will be required to apply their understanding of microeconomics and macroeconomics to a range of data sets and articles. 

For more information on the A-Level Economics course grade requirements, download a copy of the Sixth Form Prospectus below.  For more information on the course content, download a copy of the A-Level Options Guide below. 

How does Economics differ from Business Studies? 

Economics looks at how individuals, firms and nations make economic decisions – students will be studying areas such as demand and supply, the elasticity of demand and supply, externalities, economic growth, interest rates, inflation and unemployment.  Students will learn to apply the ‘economist’s toolkit’ (a range of theoretical models) to recent and current economic problems.  Business is a more practical subject that examines how business operates in real business situations.