Economics

Miss Lucy Miller (Head of Department)
BA (Reading) PGCE (UWE)

The A level course offered is run by the AQA board.

The study of Economics involves understanding the logic and thinking behind the theory which underpins the decisions made by politicians, civil servants and business professionals.  The approach to lessons is very varied - some is of the traditional 'lecture' style, others are based around discussion of current economic problems.  Students learn to work and think like economists - debating both sides of an issue, undertaking independent research, working on topics in pairs or small groups and presenting their overall findings.

Unit Level  Unit Title Mode of Assessment
1 AS Markets and Market Failure External examination
Multiple choice and data response questions
2 AS The National Economy External examination
Multiple choice and data response questions
3 A2 Business Economics and the Distribution of Income External examination
Data response questions and an essay
4 A2 The National and International Economy External examination
Data response questions and an essay

 

Minimum Requirements

A degree of numerical work is involved in Economics and you will need to be confident looking at statistics and interpreting their meaning.  Much of the formal assessment requires long written responses with good structure and critical analysis of theory to be able to offer an informed judgement.  It is therefore essential you are confident writing essays and incorporating scientific models into these.  It is advisable that you have achieved a grade B at GCSE English.