The department consistently produces high grades at A Level. The purpose of the course is to provide candidates with a firm grounding in the tools of economic analysis with a particular emphasis on using those tools and techniques for problem-solving. The specification is intended to provide the basis for a broad understanding of Economics and, secondly to provide a basis for further study. Students will be expected to acquire competence in quantitative skills that are relevant to the subject content and be familiar with the various types of statistical and other data that are commonly used by economists. Students should explore the disagreements that exist between economists and current economic controversies. Students will also be encouraged to develop a critical approach to economic models and methods of inquiry. The specification is split into two main sections introducing microeconomics and macroeconomics principles. Students will be assessed through three examination papers. The student will be encouraged to develop: • An ability to express his own ideas not only in written form but also with the aid of statistics and diagrams • The habit of using reference material as source of information • The habit of reading carefully and critically • An appreciation of the method of study used by the economist