Year 12 – 13
Economics
Key Stage: KS5
Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification Gained: A Level Economics
Assessment Breakdown:
Entry Requirements: Eight or more GCSEs at grades 9-4 including GCSE English, including a minimum grade 6 in English and Mathematics. If Economics has been studied at GCSE, this will be an advantage.
To foster analytical thinking, creativity, and enjoyment, enabling students to understand and shape the world through economic problem-solving and balanced consideration of competing viewpoints.
Economics plays a significant role in everyday life. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of their place within a dynamic global economy, enabling them to analyse how societies, governments, businesses, and individuals make decisions about scarce resources.
Students study economic models from past and present contexts and apply them to real-world scenarios. They develop essential skills including analysing and interpreting data, constructing rational and logical arguments, and making clear, evidence-based judgements. Economics combines creativity with structured reasoning, requiring confident use of mathematical skills alongside strong written and verbal communication.
The curriculum extends beyond examination preparation. While securing strong academic outcomes remains a priority, students are also encouraged to:
- Engage with real-world examples and current affairs through case studies and news analysis
- Use economic vocabulary with precision and confidence
- Develop initiative, leadership, and independent thinking
- Consider ethical and moral questions arising from public policy decisions
Students are challenged not only to understand how economies function, but also to reflect critically on the social and ethical implications of economic choices, supporting the development of well-rounded, informed individuals.
Year-by-Year Curriculum
Year 12
Year 12 introduces core microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, building a strong foundation in economic theory and application.
Modules include:
- Module 1: Microeconomics (The Economic Problem) and Macroeconomics (Measures of Economic Performance)
- Module 2: Microeconomics (How Markets Work) and Macroeconomics (Aggregate Supply and Demand)
- Module 3: Microeconomics (Price Mechanism and Elasticity)
- Module 4: Microeconomics (Taxation, Markets and Externalities) and Macroeconomics (Economic Indicators)
- Module 5: Microeconomics (Market Failure)
- Module 6: Microeconomics (Growth and Size of the Firm) and Macroeconomics (International Trade)
Students develop understanding of market forces, government intervention, economic performance, and international trade, applying theory to contemporary examples.
Year 13
Year 13 deepens analysis and focuses on more complex market structures and global economic issues, alongside structured revision.
Modules include:
- Module 1: Microeconomics (Market Structures) and Macroeconomics (Role of Trade)
- Module 2: Microeconomics (Market Structures Continued) and Macroeconomics (Balance of Payments)
- Module 3: Microeconomics (Market Types) and Macroeconomics (Development and Taxation)
- Modules 4–5: Targeted Revision in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
Students refine evaluative skills, applying economic theory to extended essay questions and data-response tasks in preparation for final examinations.
Skills Gained
- Technical skills to support analysis, including accurate use of economic diagrams
- Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data
- Critical thinking about the limits of economic models in broader socio-economic contexts
- The ability to draw policy inferences and recognise implementation constraints
- Strong written communication and information-processing skills
These skills support academic progression and informed engagement with economic issues in contemporary society.
Partnerships & Enrichment
Students may engage in enrichment opportunities including:
- Economics Conference Workshop at St Paul’s School
- Engagement with the Bank of England
These experiences strengthen real-world understanding and contextual application of economic theory.
Potential Careers & Progression
A Level Economics supports progression to higher education in economics, finance, business, politics, and related disciplines. Potential career pathways include:
Data Analyst | Economist | Investment Analyst | Statistician | Stockbroker
