Economics is, at its very heart, the study of people. It is an inquiry into how people succeed, what makes us happy or content, and ultimately how humanity has managed over generations to become more healthy and prosperous than ever before.
Economics examines what drives human beings to do what they do, and looks at how they react when faced with difficulties or success. It investigates choices people make when given a limited set of options and how they trade them off against each other. It is a science that encompasses history, politics, psychology and at times, the odd equation or two. If it is history’s job to tell us what mistakes we have made in the past, then it is up to economics to work out how to do things differently in the future.
Through the study of economics you will be able to apply economic concepts and theories, giving you a greater understanding of commercial life in local, national and international contexts. The Edexcel AS and A2 syllabus followed provides opportunities to explore critically issues such as:-
- Why do footballers earn more than nurses?
- Should the National Health Service provide free IVF treatment for childless couples?
- Is it right that 10 million people in the UK are living in poverty today?
- Will carbon trading schemes help to reduce the impact of global warming?
- Is it fair that the world’s richest 8% earn half of the planet’s income?
Students should have achieved a GCSE grade 6 in Maths as well as in a humanities subject such as History, Geography or Business.
In the sixth form Economics mixes particularly well with other Social Sciences such as Politics, History and Business Studies and is particularly useful if you are considering a career in Business Management or Law. It is also very useful with Mathematics and Science subjects as preparation for careers in Engineering, Accountancy and Medicine. Arts subjects such as Languages and English Literature also mix well with Economics if you are considering careers in organisations with overseas links or careers related to the Media such as Journalism. It is acknowledged as a strong ‘A’ level by many key employers in the UK and overseas, and this is because it is a ‘hard’ A level. Success at Economics requires good number skills and a willingness to analyse in detail and write at length on each area of study. It also requires a comprehensive knowledge of economic developments in the real, wider world.
| Key Course Details | |
|---|---|
| Exam board | Edexcel |
| Assessment | Written examination (100%) |