Economics
Wellingborough School - North Northamptonshire
01933222427
London Road, Wellingborough, NN8 2BX
Course summary

Economics is the study of how we use our scarce resources to decide what we produce. This regularly results in difficult and challenging choices that have to be made, both as individuals and as a society; one current example being the best ways to address the challenge of climate change? Economics is divided into two areas of study, Micro and Macroeconomics. Microeconomics is the study of how individual people, firms and markets make decisions and allocate resources. It also studies the situations where markets fail to allocate resources efficiently. Macroeconomics is the study of the whole economy and how all the individual markets combine together. This is done at both a national and an international level. Areas of study include issues such as unemployment, inflation and international trade and how Government economic policies can be used to influence them. Contrary to popular belief, the amount of Mathematics in the A level course is small. What is more important is good English language skills as many of the questions in the final exams require extended answers. Students must also have an interest in and keep up to date with current affairs. It is recommended that students read/listen to the news on a daily basis as well as more subject specific broadcasts like BBC Radio 5 Live’s ‘Wake up to Money’ programme. The Department encourages students to broaden their experience of Economics beyond the classroom. To this end, the Upper Sixth complement their studies by attending an annual Economics conference where discussions have ranged from policies to combat climate change to use of behavioral economics to help reduce market failure. Economics combines well with a range of Alevels including Mathematics, Politics, Geography, Business, Psychology and English. Students considering going on to study Economics at degree level should be aware that many university courses require A level Mathematics as part of their entry requirements. Economics can lead onto a wide variety of careers including Accountancy, Business Management, Finance or indeed any field where an understanding of the economy is of benefit.

Entry requirements

It follows from this that in our professional judgement there is a minimum standard which students need to achieve before we can allow them to enter the Sixth Form. Students wishing to enter Wellingborough Sixth Form in September 2023 should have achieved at least four Grade 6s and two Grade 5s at GCSE, although individuals falling below this will be considered if their personal circumstances and/or specific distribution of grades suggest that A level study would be appropriate. In reality, we have found that falling below a top grade in a subject which will be followed at A level is unlikely to lead to anything above a C Grade at the end of two years. No student will be accepted onto an A Level Mathematics course with anything below Grade 7. For fresh-start subjects, GCSE performance in English and/or Mathematics may be used by the School to assess suitability. In addition, any student who does not gain at least Grade 4 in English Language or a Grade 4 in Mathematics will be expected to retake these subject exams. This tariff is applied in the students’ own long-term interests. Should your son/daughter fall short of these requirements, Mr Holman – Headmaster, Mrs Baxby – Head of Sixth Form and Mrs Gamble – Deputy Head, Academic, will be available on Results Day when any relevant discussions can take place.

How you'll be assessed

Economics A level is a linear course with three externally assessed examinations at the end of the two years of study. Paper 1 - Written Exam: 2 hours; 33% of final grade - 1 data response question from a choice of 2 - 1 essay from a choice of 3. Paper 2 - Written Exam: 2 hours; 33% of final grade - 1 data response questions from a choice of 2 - 1 essay from a choice of 3. Paper 3 - Written Exam: 2 hours, 33% of final grade - 30 multiple choice questions - Case Study.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast Midlands
Local AuthorityNorth Northamptonshire
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form FeeUnknown
AddressLondon Road, Wellingborough, NN8 2BX