Minimum B in GCSE Maths and English.
Economics is a hugely influential subject which looks at real world choices. In a world where scarce resources are being used up quickly, economists play an important role in establishing the choice architecture and incentivising good decision making.
We start with the basics of resource allocation: how do markets work, how do businesses work, why do markets fail? Then we move to the basics of economic management: how do we judge economic performance, how can governments adjust the macroeconomic environment, what makes for a successful economy? In the second year we develop these ideas further with an in-depth look at the theory of the firm and a critical evaluation of globalisation.
There are three exams at the end of Year 13, each lasts two hours and includes both short and long answer questions. The vast majority of marks are awarded for essay-style questions and so students’ ability to communicate through extended writing is important.
Pure economics is a popular degree and economics combines with many other subjects to make for a fine combined honours degree (for example economics plus a language, economics plus management, economics with politics, or the classic combination of philosophy, politics and economics). After university economics offers a wide variety of job opportunities from the world of business and finance to public service.
This is a challenging A Level which requires full focus from day one. You have to be able to use data and build an argument, there is no where to hide in the exam room. As a result students are expected to read around the subject, keep up-to-date with current events. There is a lot of homework and no rest in the classroom.