Economics A Level at CCSS

Economics focuses on many fascinating and crucially important issues affecting people, businesses and countries. Without a successful economy there would not be enough wealth created for us to enjoy the goods, services and facilities that we may all take for granted.

Topics which make headline news are directly or indirectly based on areas which an A-level Economics course will cover. It is very much a contemporary subject and you may well find that today’s front page news is tomorrow’s lesson! So if you are interested in current affairs and global issues then this may well be the subject for you.

It is a lively subject, involving a considerable amount of classroom debate. You will develop skills in justifying your point of view both in lessons and on paper. Your teachers will encourage you to contribute actively and your ideas may well form part of everyone’s notes.

You will take two AS units at the end of the lower sixth year, and two A2 units at the end of the upper sixth. There will also be an opportunity for you to take some of the units half way through the second year of your course. The exams consist of a mixture of multiple choice, data response, and essay questions.

We start the course by covering important topics such as the laws of supply and demand. You will learn how to apply basic theories to real markets, such as the housing market, or the music industry.
 
You will study important economic variables such as unemployment and inflation. To take unemployment as an example, you will learn about its causes, the variety of policies that government could use to cure it, and its effects on the economy.

Issues raised at AS level are developed further at A2 level. You will learn about costs, revenues and profits for firms, and the way businesses operate in various markets. You will find out why workers are paid different wage levels and what economists believe should be done about issues of concern, such as pollution.

You will study international economics, including UK trade with other countries, whether or not the UK benefits from its membership of the EU, and another extremely topical debate.... should we join the Euro single currency?

You will learn about why we have had fluctuations in unemployment and inflation in the past, and why economists and politicians disagree about the appropriate methods which governments should use to improve economic performance.

The one-year course has proved to be a highly successful option.

The same amount of material is covered as on a two-year course, so you will find it an intensive but potentially highly rewarding experience!

It is possible to join us for A2 having taken AS at another school even if you have followed a different exam board. This course covers the existing AQA A-level specification (6141.) Please do contact us for advice.

Although you do not need to know any Economics when you start, you need to have flair for writing essays and you must not be afraid of numbers.

You should also want to develop a genuine interest in current affairs. In addition, you will need to develop creative problem-solving skills and the ability to interpret and analyse data.

Your most important asset, however, will be an enthusiastic and committed attitude to a subject which we are sure you will find interesting.

You can combine Economics successfully with all other A-level subjects, particularly Mathematics and Sciences, English, Modern Languages, History, Geography and Politics.

You can take degrees in Economics on its own or in combination and it provides an excellent foundation for related disciplines such as business management, finance and accounting.

An understanding of economic principles is highly useful in any profession which involves commercial activity.

Our examination results are consistently outstanding, and our students often take up university places at establishments such as LSE, University College London and Warwick.

Exam Board: AQA
Coursework: None.