Economics

Economics helps you to understand how the world works. You鈥檒l be challenged with 鈥榬eal life鈥� questions such as: What are the implications of Covid-19? Are house prices too high? And why do some companies earn more revenue than countries?

Economics is different from many A Level subjects in that probably no student will have studied it before starting the course. During the course you will learn about financial markets, economic efficiency and the global economy. Some examples of the issues that form part of your work include:

  • Does income and wealth inequality matter?
  • The impact of economic migrants on the UK economy.
  • The performance of the UK economy in a European and global context.
  • Is UK government borrowing out of control?
  • Does the growth of large multinational companies conflict with the interests of the consumer?
  • An ageing population 鈥� cause for celebration or concern?

Since so much of the Economics course can be applied to current events, national and international, there is ample opportunity in lessons for discussion and debate. There is no coursework in this subject 鈥� assessment is based 100% on examinations.

We have previously invited guest speakers from various areas within Economics. Students also have the opportunity to attend weekly support sessions.

The skills you develop studying Economics can be built upon and used throughout the rest of your life. The subject provides skills valued by employers and opens a wide range career paths including: working in the civil service, banking, accountancy, management, journalism, the media and the legal profession. And there’s always football management to fall back on, emulating the likes of Arsene Wenger and Steve Coppell, both graduates in Economics.

Topics from themes 1 and 3 – Exam Paper – 35% of marks

Topics from themes 2 and 4 – Exam Paper – 35% of marks

Topics from themes 1, 2, 3 and 4 – Exam Paper – 30% of marks

Summary

Theme 1
Microeconomics 鈥� including demand and supply, different market structures, elasticities of demand and supply, market failure, government taxation/subsidies, and government failure.

Theme 2
Macroeconomics 鈥� including economic growth, inflation, unemployment, government macroeconomic objectives and policies.

Theme 3
Microeconomics 鈥� including business objectives, market structures (perfect competition, monopolies, monopolistic competition and oligopolies), price discrimination and labour markets.

Theme 4
Macroeconomics 鈥� including exchange rates, financial markets, globalisation, development economics and trade blocs.

It is essential to keep an eye on the news and current affairs to provide detail and real world context to your answers throughout the course.

A good website for prospective Economics students is

Study Level

A Level

Exam Board

Edexcel Economics A

Contact Details

Lydia Reynolds

Head of Department

reynolds_l@sjd.ac.uk