Subject leader: Miss K Rowley

Economics is all around us- from the pricing of our favourite shampoo, to the cost of housing, to the availability of jobs that will allow us to afford either of these. By studying Economics A-Level, students learn about different levels of Economics, from the small individual consumer to large corporations as well as the government. In addition to content knowledge, students will develop critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills in this course- useful skills for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. An aptitude for Mathematics and English is required for successful Economics students. In addition, a knowledge of relevant current economic issues is useful and helps to improve student’s skills as Economists and further their understanding of the world they live in.

Economics is an A-level subject that students can take at Sixth Form and continue for two years before passing three written external exams, in order to receive their qualification. Lessons are split between Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics is associated with individual markets and behaviours whereas Macroeconomics focusses on how the economy operates as a whole and some of the main moving parts associated with that.

In Microeconomics, lessons cover an array of topics through a “narrower” lense compared to Macroeconomics. Think of it as looking at the economy using a microscope, able to focus on the smaller moving parts like individual markets and businesses and their behaviours. Macroeconomics on the other hand, teaches students to look at the economy using a much wider lense. The topic areas taught include inflation, unemployment, economic growth as well as importing versus exporting goods and services.

Students are assessed on their skills development in certain areas. These include content knowledge skills as well as application, analysis and evaluation skills.