Introduction
Economics is all around us, present in almost every aspect of our lives. It is the study of allocation of scarce resources.
Are you inquisitive about the world around you? Why do footballers get paid so much money? What causes poverty in the world? Why have Apple been so successful?
According to Alain Anderton in the Guardian, “Economics at A Level is fundamentally about studying models: ways of looking at the world and making sense of it. Should our politicians be studying some basic economics? The answer to that is obviously yes.”
Where does it lead?
Economics is a highly regarded subject with many post A Level opportunities in both higher education and employment, e.g. banking and finance, in addition to post degree employment in both the private and public sector.
"Those who studied for degrees in medicine and economics were likely to take home far more in their pay packets than other graduates." The Guardian
Course details
It is an examined subject that develops many skills through essays, presentations, examinations, debates and much more.
How can the UK deal with its obesity problems? What causes unemployment? Should the government still pay for a universal health service? Is there still a need for the high street and high street shops? Why do richer students have higher graduate incomes even with the same degree? When will China become the richest country in the world? What has held back development in Africa in the last 50 years? Can an iPhone really make you happy? Should students be paid for going to school?
Paper 1 - Markets and business behaviour (35%)
Paper 2 - The national and global economy (35%)
Paper 3 - Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (30%)