Economics

Taught at Kenilworth School & Sixth Form

Exam Board: Cambridge OCR 

Assessment Method:  This course is assessed through 3 examinations. 

Paper 1 – Microeconomics – this includes the role of markets, business objectives, market structures, solutions to issues like pollution and a detailed investigation into the UK labour market. 

Paper 2 Macroeconomics – this includes the study of economic policy on areas like Brexit, economics growth, inequality, globalisation, inflation, trade and unemployment. We will investigate the success of economic policies and their impact on different economic agents. 

Paper 3 – Themes in economics – In this component, students will draw together their knowledge and skills to answer questions from across all content areas. 

A-Level Economics assessment methods involve written exams containing a mix of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, data response questions, and extended open-response questions.  

Why Should I Follow This Course? 

If the following statements apply to you, then are likely to be suited to studying Economics: 

“I find current affairs interesting.”  

“I enjoy problem solving.”  

 “I enjoy sharing my thoughts.” 

Economics is a highly regarded academic subject which can provide knowledge, awareness and skills to progress to a wide range of further studies and professions.  It is also a subject which will help you develop a range of applied skills that are highly valued by employers and universities. 

Economics is the study of the world around us from a social, financial and cultural perspective, gaining an understanding of economic theories and how they can be applied to our everyday lives.  

Studying this subject will allow you to 

• Appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider economic and social environment. 

• Develop an understanding of a range of concepts and an ability to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts. 

• Use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and an ability to think as an economist. 

• Develop skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip you for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life. 

What will I learn? 

Microeconomics 

Individuals, Firms, and Markets: You'll explore how consumers and producers make decisions in  

response to price and how markets work to allocate scarce resources.  

Market Failure: You'll learn about situations where markets fail to allocate resources efficiently, such as pollution or monopolies, and how governments can address these issues.  

The Labour Market: You will study how wages are determined and how factors like unemployment and education affect the labour market.  

Macroeconomics 

The National Economy: You'll investigate broader economic factors such as inflation, economic growth, unemployment, and the role of government in managing these aspects.  

The International Economy: The course covers international trade and how economies are interconnected on a global scale.  

The Financial Market: You'll examine the role of financial markets in the wider economy.  

Where Will This Qualification Take Me? 

Economics combines well with most A Level subjects. You will find the subject useful for most careers. Economics graduates earn the second highest salary of all university courses. Students who take this course go on to study not just Economics or finance/management related courses, but also Law, Engineering, Mathematics, History and a wide range of other subjects. This is a prestigious A level and is held in very high esteem by universities. 

You will gain a real insight into the relevance of economics to the modern world; teaching is designed to engage you and provide an understanding of your role in society. The interesting subject content will encourage you to develop your skills as independent learners, critical thinkers and problem solvers – skills that can make you stand out as you progress to higher education and/or the workplace. No previous knowledge of Economics is required. 

Entry Requirements: You must attain a minimum of a grade 6 in Mathematics.