Page 46 - Sixth Form Courses 2026-2028

A LEVEL
ECONOMICS

OVERVIEW This is a fascinating time to be studying A level Economics. Recent events ranging
from the coronavirus pandemic, the climate crisis, the increasing role of robots and
Artificial Intelligence in the world of work and Brexit have brought a number of
changes to the economic landscape. Studying Economics will help you understand
many of these real-world events and enable you to discuss these important
economic issues. It will help you develop a critical, analytical approach, which will
challenge any preconceived notions held about how the economy works. It will
enable you to consider questions such as: Should interest rates be cut? Is Amazon
too powerful? Should the government spend even more money to help secure
steady growth in economy? Can the British Government continue to fund the
NHS? There are so many questions and so much discussion to be had.

APPROACH Studying Economics involves investigating real-world economic issues such as
business decision making, world poverty and inequality, global recessions,
controlling inflation and reducing unemployment. Reading from high quality
media sources will be important, as will participation in the wide range of
extra-curricular activities offered by the department: for example, all Sixth Form
Economists are members of the Economics Society, offering them the chance to
hear the views of high-profile visiting speakers. Engagement in such wider learning
improves a student’s chances of success in the A level course. Throughout the
course you will be learning about the fundamental economic theories. These will
be explained by your tutor who will make use of excellent textbooks, apps and ICT
resources.

COURSE OUTLINE The course will cover the following them

• Introduction to markets and market failure
• The UK Economy – performance and policies
• Business behaviour and the labour market
• A global perspective

Assessment is by examination only (there is no coursework). Developing an
understanding of the key economics diagrams, such as supply and demand, will be
vital to your enjoyment of, and success in, the subject.

FURTHER INFORMATION This Edexcel course is assessed by three 2 hour exam papers. Paper 1 is titled
markets and business behaviour and combines themes 1 and 3. Paper 2 is the
national and global economy which assesses themes 2 and 4, whilst paper 3 is a
synoptic paper covering all of the themes.
Economics is held in very high regard by universities and employers. Students
thinking of studying for a BSc degree in Economics must study Mathematics
beyond GCSE level. BA degrees in Economics do not always require Mathematics
beyond GCSE.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS GCSE Economics is not required.
A minimum of grade 6 (B) in Mathematics.
Grade 4 (C) in English is essential, grade 6 (B) is desirable.

EXAM BOARD AND Edexcel Economics (A)
SPECIFICATION Edexcel AS and A level Economics A 2015 | Pearson qualifications

CONTACT Head of Economics
Mr R Hood
hood.r@millfieldschool.com

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