Studying Economics in the sixth form is a very popular choice as this is a very well respected subject and prepares students for their future studies at university, whatever they might study.

AS Economics

AS Economics in year twelve has elements of both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. In Microeconomics (unit one) we study the basics of demand and supply, including market failure and government intervention to overcome it.

The lessons are lively with a wide variety of learning methods applied throughout the year. Very often, we will be applying mathematical skills learnt at GCSE and earlier to economic issues. Diagrams are an important aspect of the work. Essays must also be written for AS, so students learn to analyse, write convincing and justified arguments and evaluate.

There will be two examinations at the end of the year; EC1 is worth 80 UMS and EC2 is worth 120 UMS. Together, they make up 50% of the A level.

A2 Economics

The second year of A level study builds on the first and the questions and answers become more synoptic in nature. For this reason, nothing learnt in year twelve is ever ‘left behind’, students use all the previous knowledge to help them give fully informed answers.

The units are called Competition and Competitive Behaviour and Macroeconomic Issues and the Global Economy. The topics within these units include things like Development, Inflation, Unemployment and Market Structures and Competition Policy. There is no coursework element to A level Economics.

Students can re-sit either or both of the AS units they tried in year twelve to improve their results if necessary. They will be able to sit EC3 and EC4 at the end of year thirteen. Each is worth 50% of the A2 and together they make up 50% of the full A level.

Click for a link to the exam board's website