Economics AS/A Level

Curriculum Area: Business and ICT

Economics AS/A Level

Who is the course for?

The course is for anyone who enjoys finding out about the way individuals, firms, consumers and workers interact with each other and the world’s scarce resources. It is a challenging academic course that suits those with an enquiring mind and intending to continue academic study. It involves writing longer evaluative essays.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

The Advanced Subsidiary is studied in the first year. The course is divided into separate modules. These are:

Unit One Markets and Market Failure Unit Two The National Economy

Advanced Level (A2)

Unit Three Business Economics and the Distribution of Income Unit Four The National and International Economy

The above modules are visited during the second year of the course and the concepts covered in year one are built upon in further detail.

Methods of Teaching and Learning

Students can expect:

• qualified staff
• teacher-led input
• teacher support and guidance
• Calculations
• group work and student presentations
• use of case studies and the Internet

Enrichment

Trips may be organised to add to the students’ understanding of how Economics is used in a business environment and there is the opportunity to compete in a national economics competition.

Methods of Assessment

The examination board is AQA. The Course will be examined in the following way:

Unit One 25 Objective test questions, 1 Data Response question chosen from 2 Unit Two 25 Objective test questions, 1 Data Response question chosen from 2 Advanced Level (A2) Unit Three 1 Data Response from two optional questions, 1 Essay chosen from 3 Unit Four 1 Data Response from two optional questions, 1 Essay chosen from 3

Resources

Internet, text books which are reviewed and updated regularly, journals and statistical reference material, case studies, outside businesses, newspapers and videos.

Progression

Advanced Level Economics courses provide a sound basis for students wishing to go into Higher Education or into a career in a business environment and is generally well regarded by universities

Entry Requirements

Students are required to have five GCSE passes at grade C and above or the equivalent from 4 subject areas including English. GCSE Mathematics at grade B or above is also essential.

Qualification

This course leads to AS and A2 qualifications.

Additional Costs

During the course the students are charged for printing and for extended revision materials. In addition, a number of visits may be arranged which may require students to make a contribution towards travelling costs.

What Students Say

"I enjoy the course and it is fun", "Workshops were very useful"