Course information
Economics
Wilmslow High School - Cheshire East
01625526191
Holly Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1LZ
Course summary

The AQA Economics course is intended to captivate the imagination of students so that, when they leave the classroom, they will want to explore and read about the subject further. While serving as an introduction to the study of Economics, the specification will also provide opportunities for stretch and challenge to extend students’ understanding of the world of economics. With this in mind, the specifications will appeal to students across the ability range. At the heart of the course will be its relevance to the modern world; the topicality is designed to engage students and facilitate an understanding of their role in society. The stimulating specification content will encourage them to develop their skills as independent learners, critical thinkers, and decision-makers – all personal assets that can make them stand out as they progress to higher education and/or the workplace. Component 1 focuses on ‘microeconomics’. From a base of microeconomic theory, it will enable students to discuss and evaluate how well this theory explains our observations of economic agents in the real world. The theoretical workings of the free market provide a useful starting point for explanation and analysis. Imperfections and market failures provide a lead into discussing the merits and drawbacks of government intervention and the usefulness of theory in explaining observations taken from the real world of economics. Component 2 focuses on ‘macroeconomics’. It will provide students with the technical and analytical tools required to understand how the macroeconomy functions on both the domestic and global levels. The course encourages students to adopt a critical approach to their study of policy through understanding the limitations and conflicts that they present. Policy approaches are also considered in a historical context to understand how macroeconomics has changed over time. The A-level also has a Component 3, focusing on economic principles and issues. The assessment of this component will be synoptic in nature and will draw on content from both the microeconomics and macroeconomics components, applied to particular themes.

Entry requirements

Minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) with grades 4-9 (A*-C). This must include at least four full course GCSEs. Grade 5 in English language or English literature, and a Grade 6 in mathematics.

How you'll be assessed

Paper 1 (33.3% of A-level) Microeconomics – Markets and Market Failure 2-hour paper, 80 marks, short answer data response questions, extended questions, and essays. Paper 2 (33.3% of A-level) Macroeconomics – The National and International Economy 2-hour paper, 80 marks, short answer data response questions, extended questions, and essays. Paper 3 (32.3% of A-level) Economic Principles and Issues - Synoptic content 2 hours of paper, 80 marks, 30 multiple choice questions, short answer data response questions, extended questions, and essays.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionNorth West
Local AuthorityCheshire East
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressHolly Road, Wilmslow, SK9 1LZ