Economics and Politics Trip Economics and Politics Trip. Students enjoyed a talk at the Bank of England and went on to listen in to a debate at the Houses of Parliament.
  • Economics and Politics Trip. Students enjoyed a talk at the Bank of England and went on to listen in to a debate at the Houses of Parliament.
  • Economics and Politics Trip. Students enjoyed a talk at the Bank of England and went on to listen in to a debate at the Houses of Parliament.

Curriculum Leader

Karen Thorlby-Coy

Awarding Body

Pearson EDEXCEL Course Specification

Entry Requirements

GCSE Grade 6 or above in Maths and Level 5 or above in English (Lang or Lit)

Why chose A-level Economics?

There is a cost-of-living crisis in the UK with above target levels of inflation contributed to by an increase in the cost of fuel and energy. But what exactly does this mean? How does it affect jobs? Can the government continue to support businesses and industries? Where is the money coming from? All these questions and more will be answered when you study Economics. Using a variety of learning experiences, you will gain a wider appreciation of current affairs and the world around you. These are crucial in shaping a successful academic approach to A-level Economics and becoming an economist.

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What do economists do?

Economists investigate economic relationships by collecting, compiling and analysing data. Economists provide information for decision-makers, including what would happen if we did certain things? What are the costs and benefits of an action (or simply, what happens if we fail to act)? What is the best way to accomplish a particular goal? Essentially, economists use theory, data, maths and statistics to help solve real-world problems.

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What will I learn in Year 12 Economics?

You will study two themes in Year 12:
Theme 1 - Introduction to Markets and Market Failure.
In this theme you will consider how markets work, looking at how supply and demand interact to allocate resources in local, national and international markets. You will learn how to model a number of real-world economics situations using diagrams and theory. This theme will help you to answer questions such as ‘how much tax should be applied to cigarettes?’ or ‘which is the best method to ensure all citizens have access to housing?’.
This theme is assessed in both papers 1 & 3 at the end of year 13.

Theme 2 - The UK Economy – Performance and Policies
In this theme you will be introduced to aggregate demand and aggregate supply in order to analyse macroeconomic changes to the UK economy. You will study a range of policies available to the UK government for intervening and managing the macroeconomy to ensure growth and employment opportunities. This theme will help you to answer questions such as ‘why did the Coronavirus pandemic cause a recession in the UK?’ or ‘How does the Bank of England support the management of the macro economy?’
This theme is assessed in both papers 2 & 3 at the end of year 13.

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What will I learn in Year 13 Economics?

Theme 3 - Business Behaviour and the Labour Market
In this theme you will examine how the number and size of market participants affect the pricing and availability of goods and services. You will look in depth at labour market issues such as the gender pay gap, the national minimum wage and whether executive salaries of millions of pounds can be justified. This theme will help you to answer questions such as ‘Why are some markets more heavily regulated than others?’ or ‘Why do some firms seem to be successful without needing to improve or innovate?’
This theme is assessed in both papers 1 & 3 at the end of year 13.

Theme 4 – A Global Perspective
In studying this theme, you will understand the significance of globalisation and international trade. You will examine the intricacies of developing countries and consider routes countries may take to develop and reduce poverty for their population. In this theme you will consider questions such as ‘Is international trade a benefit or hinderance in a country’s fight to develop?’ or ‘Can inequality ever be a positive for economic societies?’
This theme is assessed in both papers 2 & 3 at the end of year 13.

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How is A-level Economics Assessed?

You will take three exam papers at the end of Year 13.

  • Paper 1 exam (Themes 1 & 3) is 2 hours long with 100 marks available and is worth 35% of the total qualification.
  • Paper 2 exam (Themes 2 & 4) is 2 hours long with 100 marks available and is worth 35% of the total qualification.
  • Paper 3 exam (Themes 1 to 4) is 2 hours long with 100 marks available and is worth 30% of the total qualification.
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How will I learn?

You will learn through opportunities to:
• Discuss your work in pairs and groups
• Make presentations to the class
• Work independently on written tasks
• Answering practice & past paper questions
• Question level analysis
• Investigating case studies

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Aside from studying for a BA or BSc in Economics, A-level Economics can help you gain a place studying: Mathematics (if done alongside Mathematics and/ or Further Mathematics A-level), Politics, Business, Psychology and Law.

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Career opportunities are endless. However, careers that are particularly suited to someone with A-level Economics include: accounting, banking, insurance, political analysis, stockbroking, business development management, management consultancy, civil service/ government office, data analysis and quantity surveying.

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Further Course Information

You will benefit from keeping up to date with current affairs and reading articles from newspapers and subject specific publications such as the ‘Economist’ and ‘Economics Today’. All students receive a range of resources including detailed notes and examination papers accessible via the Department Teams. Homework is set frequently, and regular assessment is a feature of the course.

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Extra-Curricular Opportunities

Throughout the course, there will be a variety of opportunities to attend university lectures, revision days in Leeds and a trip to the Bank of England in London.

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Some interesting web resources

http://www.tutor2u.net/economics

Economics
tutor2u is a leading support service for A-Level, GCSE, and Vocational students and teachers preparing for assessments, mocks and final exams.
www.tutor2u.net

EconplusDal - YouTube

EconplusDal
When I was studying Economics at A Level and at University, I often wondered why, given the current state of technology and communication, there were never any recordings of class or lecture content. Revision was difficult, grasping key concepts was at times difficult - it was hard to stay ahead of the game. Now I have the opportunity to fill that void by making Economics tutorial videos suitable for students at AS, A Level and IB as a teacher and Head of Economics. I also post videos to best guide exam technique to aid revision or those all important exams, all for the benefit of students; enjoy! 

www.youtube.com

Crash Course Economics (thecrashcourse.com)

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