Economics is divided into: 1. Microeconomics, the study of individual decision-making by households and firms; price determination or wage determination. By using supply and demand analysis and logical reasoning, pupils investigate the allocation of resources, market failures such as monopoly and demerit goods, as well as addressing critical issues such as pollution, externalities and congestion, assessing the policies used in terms of cost/benefit analysis and effectiveness of the outcome. 2. Macroeconomics, which is the study of the major issues of growth, employment, inflation and the balance of payments, with a consideration of the use of fiscal, monetary and supply-side policies to address them. The role of government and its success and failure is analysed in a non-political manner. At A Level, there is a wider focus on EU, global and developmental issues. A discursive and investigative approach to learning allows access for both the numerate and the literate, although there is a significant correlation between performance in Economics and Mathematics. [For those who think that they may wish to continue with the subject at university level, many universities also require an A level in Mathematics.] The combination of analytically based argument and subjective opinion on alternative policies gives a real contrast to the certainties of science, yet one based in rigour of analytical thought and justified conclusions. There is the opportunity to consider life-influencing problems, from the problems raised by excessive levels of national debt, to global warming, and to seek solutions to the resource allocation problems, engendered by these issues.