Introduction to AS / A Level Economics Course

The course examines economic theories and their application to the real world; pupils
will learn to think logically, draw holistic conclusions after analysing data and trends,
and present their ideas coherently and effectively.

In Year 12 pupils will be introduced to core economic models.

Theme 1: Provides an introduction to the main microeconomic concepts, from the

nature of economics, consumer behaviour, supply, demand and how prices are
determined, to market failure and how governments might intervene to correct this.

Theme 2: Focuses mainly on the macroeconomic measures of performance and the

policies that might be used to achieve government objectives such as economic growth.
These ideas are examined in greater depth towards the end of Year 12 and into Year
13.

Theme 3: Introduces the concepts of business growth and objectives, revenue, costs
and profits in a number of market structures at varying levels of contestability, and
government intervention in both product and labour markets.

Theme 4: Introduces the role of the financial sector in the economy and applies AS
macroeconomic models to global economic issues including trade, poverty and
inequality, with a particular focus on developing/emerging economies.

Pupils wishing to take the Advanced Level GCE must sit all three papers in the Summer
Term of Year 13.
Students build knowledge and understanding of core economic models and concepts in
Themes 1 and 2, and then build on this and apply their knowledge to more complex
concepts and models in Themes 3 and 4.

Paper 1: Markets and business behavior

Paper 1 will assess microeconomics and questions will be drawn from Themes 1 and 3.

Paper 2: The national and global economy

Paper 2 will assess macroeconomics and questions will be drawn from Themes 2 and 4.

Paper 3: Microeconomics and macroeconomics

Paper 3 will assess content across all four themes