Economics

Economics A-level

Edexcel (9EC0)

Why choose this course?

Economics has been one of the fastest growing A-levels nationally for a number of years. The course supports a wide variety of future pathways, demonstrating analytical skills for those focusing on essay subjects and extended writing skills for scientists. The subject is highly topical, with one day’s news becoming the next day’s economics lesson. It also provides life skills by understanding the world we live in today, allowing us to take a reasoned opinion on government policy decisions.

Course content

The A-level in Economics has four themes over the two year course:

Year 12

Theme 1

Introduction to the markets & market failure • The nature of economics • How markets work • Market failure • Government intervention

Year 13

Theme 3

Business behaviour and the labour market • Business growth • Business objectives • Revenues, costs and profit • Market structures • The labour market

Theme 2

The UK economy – performance and policies • Measures of economic performance • Aggregate supply and demand • National income • Economic growth • Macroeconomic objectives and policy • Government intervention

Theme 4

A global perspective • International economics • Poverty and inequality • Emerging and developing economies • The financial sector • Role of the state in the macro economy

Course assessment The course is assessed over three exam papers at the end of the final year:

• Paper 1 & 2 follow the format: Section A comprises a range of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Section B comprises one data response question broken down into a number of parts. Section C comprises a choice of extended open-response questions; students select one from a choice of two.

• Paper 3 assesses everything taught over the whole two years of the course. The paper comprises two sections. Each section comprises one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including an essay question.

Enrichment opportunities

The department is supported by a lively student-led Economics Society with a remit for exploring aspects of Economics from beyond the specification and inviting visiting speakers. The school also participates in the London Institute of Banking and Finance virtual share trading competition, with over forty St Joseph’s students competing in 2017-18. The department runs an annual trip to London to visit the Bank of England and other institutions within the financial district.

Progression routes

Economics is a popular degree at university, and can be studied on its own, or combined with a variety of other subjects. The study of Economics at A-level can also lead into other degree subjects such as Business and Finance. Possible careers include: Civil Service, Insurance, Management, Accountancy and Finance.