A2 Economics

A2 Economics
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: AQA AS 5141/A2 6141

Course Content:
AS Economics

During your AS year you will be studying a number of real life issues, such as the arguments for and against large monopolies such as Microsoft. You will also look at the UK housing market and inequalities associated with the distribution of income and wealth. You will study inflation, unemployment, economic growth, the balance of payments, exchange rates and interest rates.

Issues about taxation are discussed. Why was the Poll Tax such a failure, is the Council Tax any better, should the rich pay more than the poor, what are the consequences of widening the scope of VAT to fuel, children's clothes or even food?

Economic questions such as whether people should be allowed to smoke or take drugs will be debated as well as whether the government should pay for education and a National Health Service.

A2 Economics

Issues such as unemployment and inflation play a central role in A2 course. What policies can the Government use to control these problems, do they work? Other issues covered include the Euro and EU membership debate.

In your second year you will also be looking at the International Economy and the pattern of trade between the United Kingdom and the Rest the World. You will need to be very aware of many aspects of the European Union and climate change.

Teaching Learning Methods:
Like any course at advanced level there is no getting away from the hard work that is required.

Students will receive a mixture of teacher led lessons and group activities. Students on occasions will also be expected to give presentations. The course consists of much class discussion and debate, as well as diagrammatic treatment of this subject.

Assessment:
There is NO coursework, your grade depends on exam marks alone.

AS
Unit 1 - Markets and Market Failure 50% of total AS mark - 1.25hr - 25 multi-choice questions and 1 data response question
Unit 2 - The National Economy 50% of total AS mark - 1.25hr - 25 multi-choice questions and 1 data response questions

A2
Unit 3 - Business Economics and the Distribution of Income 50% of A2 level mark - 2hrs - 1 data response question and one essay
Unit 4 - The National and International Economy 50% of A2 level mark - 2hrs - 1 data response question and one essay

Skills & Commitment:
We expect:

100% punctual attendance at all lessons.
- Students to do about 5 hours homework per week.
- Students to keep up to date with economic and business affairs by watching the news daily or by reading a quality newspaper / websites.
- Students to always bring the right equipment to College including calculator, books, paper and pens.
- Students to be interested in the political/economic business world and to be able to make informed comments during classroom discussions or debates.
- Students to always meet homework deadlines and to produce well researched and well thought out work.

Cost:
Students will from time to time be offered the opportunity to attend conferences specifically designed for A level candidates. These are usually about £8 - 10 each; You will be expected to provide your own paper, pens, files etc, but not textbooks.

Progression:
An A Level in Economics is highly valued by both employer and higher education institutions. It can open many doors and opportunities.

Students who complete this course successfully could progress on to many courses in higher education including:

Degrees in Economics, Economics and Politics, Economics and Computing, Economics and Social History to name but a few. Students could also apply to take Business Studies degrees or Higher National Diplomas. There is a very wide range of choices.

Employment; this course will be of use to students for many different careers including Stock Broking and Merchant Banking, Law, Accountancy, Journalism, Politics, Management, Civil Service, Insurance, and the City.

Entry Requirement:

In addition to normal College entry requirements, students must have at least a Grade C in Mathematics AND English Language.
Students do not need to have studied this subject before. Students aspiring to study Economics at several top Universities will also need to study A level Mathematics. A small number of very top Universities do not look favourably on students who take both Business Studies and Economics.