Economics
“Economics is everywhere, and understanding it helps you make smarter choices in life.” – Tyler Cowen
This means Economics isn’t just about money. It’s about understanding the world around you. Every choice you make, from spending to big life decisions, involves trade-offs. Studying Economics gives you the tools to think critically, see opportunities, and make decisions that really matter.
What We Study, WJEC Eduqas GES A-Level Economics
In A-Level Economics, students explore how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions in a world of limited resources. Even if you haven’t studied Economics at GCSE, this course provides a clear introduction to key concepts, helping you understand real-world economic issues that affect our daily lives.
Microeconomics: Understand how markets function, why prices change, and how consumers and firms make decisions. You’ll explore topics like supply and demand, market structures, and the role of competition.
Macroeconomics: Learn how the wider economy works, including economic growth, inflation, unemployment, and government policies. You’ll examine how countries manage money, trade, and resources.
Contemporary issues: Apply economic thinking to current events, from global trade and financial crises to environmental sustainability and social inequality.
How will you be assessed:
The subject content for A-Level Economics will be assessed across three examination papers.
Component 1: Economic Principles |
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes |
30% of qualification |
Component 2: Exploring Economic Behaviour |
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes |
30% of qualification |
Component 3: Evaluating Economic Models and Policies |
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes |
40% of qualification |
How the subject is taught
Our approach combines theory with real-world application. You’ll engage in class discussions, case studies, and problem solving activities. Lessons include interactive debates, group work, and regular analysis of news articles and economic reports. This practical approach helps students connect economic theory to the world around them.
What makes Economics at our Sixth Form unique
Strong focus on applied learning, with plenty of opportunities to explore current events and real business scenarios.
Supportive teaching for those new to the subject, ensuring everyone can grasp core concepts and build confidence.
Opportunities to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, highly valued in university and the workplace.
A friendly, collaborative environment where students learn to challenge ideas, make reasoned arguments, and understand the economic forces shaping society. By the end of the year, students will have a solid foundation in Economics, ready to tackle more advanced topics and think critically about the financial and social issues that shape our world.
Beyond the Classroom
Studying Economics at our Sixth Form is about exploring the world beyond the classroom and seeing how theory connects to real life. Students have the chance to enter national competitions like the Bank of England Challenge or the Young Economist of the Year, where they tackle real-world economic problems, develop persuasive arguments, and showcase their analytical skills. Visits to financial institutions, businesses, and policy making centres provide a first hand look at how economic decisions shape markets, communities, and governments.
Guest lectures from industry experts, interactive workshops, and lively debates allow students to engage with current economic issues, from global trade to sustainability, building confidence in research and communication. The Economics and Business Society offers a space for discussion, collaborative projects, and exploring emerging trends, while trips to markets, trade exhibitions, and economic forums make abstract concepts tangible and exciting.
Students are encouraged to analyse news stories, case studies, and economic reports, connecting classroom learning to the world around them. Through these experiences, they develop practical skills in critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving, and presentation, that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.
By engaging with Economics outside the classroom, students not only deepen their understanding of the subject but also cultivate curiosity, confidence, and a sense of how their learning can shape real world outcomes. Whether through competitions, visits, clubs, or debates, Economics at our Sixth Form offers dynamic opportunities to explore, apply, and enjoy the subject in ways that prepare students for both academic success and future careers.
Where it Might Lead
Studying A-Level Economics opens a wide range of opportunities, helping students develop skills that are highly valued by universities, employers, and professional training programs. Many students go on to pursue university courses in Economics, Finance, Business, Accounting, Management, Politics, and International Relations. The analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills developed through the subject are also excellent preparation for degrees in Law, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences.
For those interested in combining study with work, Economics provides a strong foundation for degree apprenticeships in areas such as Banking, Data Analysis, Financial Management, and Public Policy. These programs allow students to gain professional experience while earning a qualification.
Economics also opens doors to a wide range of careers and job opportunities, including roles in Banking, Financial Services, Consultancy, Market Research, Government, and Charitable Organisations. Employers value the ability to interpret data, understand markets, and make reasoned decisions skills that Economics develops in abundance.
Ultimately, A Level Economics equips students with the knowledge and confidence to understand the world around them, make informed decisions, and adapt to a variety of future paths. Whether heading to university, pursuing an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce, the subject provides a versatile foundation for success.