Economics B - A Level

What does the course aim to do?

Year 1

To provide the opportunity to study markets, consumers and firms and the wider economic environment

• Scarcity
• Enterprise
• The role of the market, market failure and government intervention
• Revenue, costs, profit and cash and the role of credit in the economy
• Business growth and competitive advantage
• Elasticity of Demand
• Productive efficiency
• The Economic Cycle
• An introduction to macroeconomic policy

Year 2

To develop an understanding of how the economy works and the effects upon business and society and consider the global aspect.

• Globalisation
• The Impact of globalisation on global companies, national and local economies and global labour markets
• Inequality and redistribution
• Competition and market power
• Market power and market failure across the economy
• Macroeconomic policies and the impact on firms and individuals
• Risk and the financial sector

What will I be studying?

Year 1

Unit 1 – Markets, Consumers and Firms

Unit 2 – The Wider Economic Environment

Year 2

Unit 3 – The Global Economy

Unit 4 – Making Markets Work

How will I be assessed?

A Level examinations are three written papers in June of the final year.

Am I suited to this subject?

You should possess an interest in the U.K. and global economies and the way in which businesses operate and are affected by economic change. To be successful you will need the ability to interpret mathematical and statistical material and to analyse the content of such data. Expression in good clear English is also essential.

Where will it lead in the future?

This subject can lead to degree courses in either Economics, Business Studies or Management. It is also a good qualification for those who apply for degrees or employment in a variety of different fields.

How will I study?

You will be involved in a combination of different types of work including note-taking, group work, essay writing, interpretation and analysis of written and mathematical data and case studies.

What will I need to do myself?

You should normally expect to complete one homework per week, usually an essay or data response exercise. In addition you will need to do supplementary reading and to keep up to date through good quality newspapers and T.V. news programmes.

Why should I come to Canon Slade to study Economics B?

The subject is taught by a highly qualified, experienced specialist who consistently achieves good results. Students are encouraged to apply to prestigious universities to continue their studies in these or related subjects.

Additional information for prospective students

As the A Level course content and examination focuses heavily on essay writing, it is strongly advised that candidates possess at least a B grade in English Language, a Humanities subject and Business Studies, (if studied before). The study of economics within this subject also contains a mathematical element and 20% of the marks in the examination are awarded for numeracy; therefore

it is a requirement that a grade 6 in Mathematics is obtained.