Economics
Qualification
AS & A2
Results
A*- A grades: 68.3%
Awarding Body
WJEC
Course Overview
A good Economics qualification is highly regarded by universities and employers alike due to its’ ability to develop students’ analytical and quantitative skills, and develop the qualities and attitudes which equip learners well for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of higher education and working life.
The course encourages students to develop and apply their knowledge of economics to the real world of which they show increasing awareness. The study of markets in microeconomics for alcohol, tobacco, education, healthcare, housing, agriculture, all capture learners’ imagination whilst they enjoy looking at issues such as pollution, etc. and government policies to combat these. The study of macroeconomics and why unemployment, inflation, economic growth and trade are important give students a real feel for how the economy works. Current issues such as Brexit, the policies of Donald Trump or the barriers facing developing countries provide great sources of material to focus and apply their knowledge.
The course will use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of economics and develop an ability to think as an economist.
AS Level (year 1)
Unit 1: Introduction to Economic Principles
Unit 2: Economics in Action
The AS specification is based upon the principle of creating a broad understanding of how markets and the economy work. E.g., it introduces learners to the key concepts of demand and supply in both individual markets (microeconomics) and the whole economy (macroeconomics).
Learners will be required to use basic models to develop a critical understanding of economics issues and explore current economic behaviour, drawing upon data from local, national and international sources, including data which relates to the Welsh economy. The AS content is divided essentially into microeconomics and macroeconomics.
The first year is assessed through a short answer question paper and a data response paper that each examine the whole AS content.
A2 Level (year 2)
Unit 3: Exploring Economic Behaviour
Unit 4: Evaluating Economic Models and Policies
Learners will be expected to use more complex micro and macro models applied to a wider range of local, national and international contexts, including data which relates to the Welsh economy. Learners will be required to develop a more critical approach to the evaluation of economic models and current economic problems. The synoptic essays will draw upon different elements of the specification content and evaluate alternative arguments and theories.
The subject content in the A2 has been grouped into three broad areas of study: microeconomics, macroeconomics, and trade and development.
The second year is assessed through a combined short answer question and data response paper and an essay paper that each examine the whole A2 content.
The full A Level in Economics provides the basis for students who wish to proceed to Higher Education to study law, business management, marketing, accountancy, finance and banking.
6 grade C’s at GCSE, including a grade B in GCSE Maths and a grade B in GCSE English and students should have an overall strong GCSE profile.