A LEVEL
At sixth form you have the option to study AQA A Level Economics
COURSE DETAILS
Economics addresses the problem of scarce resources and infinite wants and needs. How can we allocate scarce resources in a way that maximises the benefits to both producers and consumers? Numerous models and theories are considered in an attempt to answer this question – supply and demand being central to most of these models. A great deal of focus is put on government intervention/policy and government failure.
IS IT FOR ME?
A minimum requirement of grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics and English is needed. The course requires students to have good comprehension skills, as they will need to apply their answers to extracts of data. They will also need to do extensive reading throughout the course. Additionally, students should be able to write essays and have strong mathematical skills, which are needed when learning about topics such as elasticity and financial markets.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
A level Economics is made up of 3 different themes:
Theme 1: Markets and market failure
Theme 2: National and international economy
Theme 3: Economic principles and issues
WHAT DOES STUDYING ECONOMICS LEAD ON TO?
Students with an A Level in Economics have a number of possible career and higher education opportunities. For example, it lead into careers such as accountancy, banking, business intelligence and insurance. You also learn and use a variety of transferable skills throughout the course. These include:
- Collecting and analysing economic information from different sources.
- Development of written communication skills.
- Development of problem-solving and evaluation skills.
These skills are in great demand and are recognised by employers and universities as being of great value. Economics combines well with a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, humanities, business studies and politics.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
There will be three external written exam papers at the end of the two year course:
| UNIT | METHOD | WEIGHT | LENGTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Markets and market failure | Written Examination Section A: data response questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two contexts worth 40 marks Section B: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from three worth 40 marks | 33.33% | 2 hours |
| Paper 2: National and international economy | Written Examination Section A: data response questions requiring written answers, choice of one from two contexts worth 40 marks Section B: essay questions requiring written answers, choice of one from three worth 40 marks | 33.33% | 2 hours |
| Paper 3: Economic principles and issues | Written Examination Section A: multiple choice questions worth 30 marks Section B: case study questions requiring written answers, worth 50 marks | 33.33% | 2 hours |
Total A Level examining time: 6 hours