Economics A Level

TO MAKE AN APPLICATION TO MERCIA SCHOOL PLEASE APPLY VIA THE MERCIA WEBSITE https://www.merciaschool.com

The deadline date for applications is 31st December 2022 (more information is available on Mercia School website)

Economics is a discipline that seeks to understand why individuals, businesses and governments make the choices that they do. In deepening awareness of such issues, scholars will begin to understand how and why the world looks as it does, in terms of wealth and prosperity as well as other outcomes such as education and health. Scholars will consider closely governmental decision-making: how much and when to invest in new hospitals or schools; and whether and how much to tax or regulate certain goods and services – for example, fatty foods or alcohol.

Economics A Level has grown hugely in popularity in recent years. This is not a surprise, as much of the news in the last decade has been driven by questions at the heart of the subject: recession, employment, international trade. These are all areas that scholars will study forensically to further their understanding of the world we live in. Economics is an obvious choice for those interested in working in the fields of finance, banking, accountancy and public administration. But anyone with an interest in how governments, businesses and workers act should consider taking the course.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Edexcel’s Economics A Level course splits content into four broad themes: 1. Introduction to markets and market failure 2. The UK economy – performance and policies 3. Business behaviour and the labour market 4. Global economics Assessment is through three two-hour exams. Paper One covers the ‘microeconomic’ themes, Paper Two focusses on ‘macroeconomic’ themes and Paper 3 examines content from the whole course. Assessments are a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, data interpretation and longer essay-based questions. For top grades to be achieved, scholars will need to demonstrate more than just knowledge; they will need to analyse and evaluate complex economic situations. Teaching will ensure scholars are aware of this and coached towards these ends.

At least a grade 7 in GCSE Mathematics and English Literature or Language

Economics is both analytical and essay-based and as such it combines well with many other A Levels. Applicants should be aware that if they want to apply to study economics beyond A Level, then many of the top universities will require them to have studied Maths A Level.

Those wanting to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford should take Maths plus at least one of Economics, Politics, History and PRE.