Economics

Course summary

Economics is about choice and the impact of our choices on each other. It relates to every aspect of our lives, from the decisions we make as individuals or families to the structures created by governments and firms. An economic way of thinking can help you make better choices. Economics A-Level is the right subject for you if you enjoy: debating economic issues such as inequality, immigration and how we should pay for healthcare using and interpreting data to analyse economic problems, discussing alternative courses of action and keeping up to date with national and international trends. Many students that study this course go on to higher education or choose to pursue an apprenticeship. All students will have the opportunity to compete in our interschool economics and business competition, the QuBEC cup, at the end of Year 12. The subject has been grouped into four broad areas of study. In Year 12 we study Theme 1 and 2. Theme 1 is microeconomics where students will be introduced to the nature of economics, how markets work and why they fail. Theme 2 we study macroeconomics where students will explore how businesses grow and compete. In Year 13 we study Theme 3 and Theme 4, these are an extension of Year 12. Theme 3 is micro where the Year 12 content will be supplemented with studying the role of government and the UK economy. Theme 4 is macro where the Year 12 content will be supplemented with studying the labour market and how the government intervenes to make markets work better. Students’ will also explore international trade, inequality within and between countries, emerging and developing economies, and the public finances. Additionally they will also have an opportunity to consider the role and impact of the financial sector.