Economics

Curriculum Vision

We aim to develop enthusiastic, independent, critical thinkers who can apply economic concepts confidently to a wide range of contexts. Students will think like economists, developing strong analytical, quantitative, problem-solving and evaluative skills alongside communication, collaboration, adaptability and self-management. They will understand the relevance of economics to contemporary economic and social issues and develop the confidence to engage critically with real-world events and policies.  We aim to prepare students for successful progression to higher education, employment and adult life. They will develop the knowledge, understanding, analytical and quantitative skills required for further study in economics and related disciplines, while gaining a strong foundation for careers in areas including finance, banking, accountancy, management, consultancy and professional economics.

Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum is designed to be ambitious, progressive and future-focused.  The qualification is structured across four interconnected themes: Theme 1 – Introduction to Markets and Market Failure; Theme 2 – The UK Economy; Theme 3 – Business Behaviour and the Labour Market; and Theme 4 – A Global Perspective. Students build foundational knowledge before applying and extending it through increasingly complex contexts, making connections across themes and engaging with current economic events and policies. 

It builds secure foundations through Themes 1 and 2 before developing increasingly complex application and evaluation through Themes 3 and 4. Students are encouraged to make connections across the curriculum and apply their knowledge to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Teaching and assessment are informed by current economic events, higher education expectations and established best practice, ensuring that students experience a rigorous and relevant programme of study. 
 
The curriculum is underpinned by ambition, rigour, inclusivity, empowerment, excellence, fairness and equality. We maintain high academic expectations while recognising individual starting points and supporting all students to make sustained progress. Through challenging learning, high-quality assessment and the development of transferable skills, students are equipped to succeed in further education, employment and wider society. We are committed to providing an inclusive curriculum in which every student has an equal opportunity to achieve their potential.  

 A video introduction to our Economics course in LPGS6 (our co-educational Sixth Form)

 

 

Course Description:

A-Level Economics is a very popular subject because it provides a pathway to an incredibly diverse range of careers. It is also a great complementary subject to other popular subjects such as Maths, Geography, History and Politics. The world is still dealing with the devastating economic effects of Covid-19 and now we are seeing the true economic impacts of Brexit. There is a huge shortage in the key labour market of truck drivers, a rise in the wholesale prices of gas, unprecedented spending and borrowing by the UK government, increasing national debt, widening economic inequality and leading to rising inflation.

Skills Required:

A commitment to hard work, the ability to undertake independent research, numeracy, critical, evaluative and analytical skills. Students will need to apply their knowledge and understanding to both familiar and unfamiliar contexts in the assessments and demonstrate an awareness of current economic events and policies.

Method of Assessment:

This is assessed through 100% external examinations at the end of the two-year course. Your A-Level Economics qualification will consist of three external papers as set out below:

Paper 1: 35% of total marks.
Paper 2: 35% of total marks.
Paper 3: 30% of total marks.

Progression:

Economics is highly valued by universities and employers from the private and public sectors. Students can go on to work as economists, policy makers, analysts, bankers, journalists, teachers, writers, politicians as well as many other potential careers.