AS Level Economics

Economics (AS and A Level)

ECONOMICS

AS and A Level (OCR)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(26.09.08)

Course overview

Economics will enable you to understand the nature of economic choices, and how economic issues, problems, and institutions affect everyday life. You will be encouraged to use an enquiring and thoughtful approach to the subject, and to develop an abilityto think as an economist.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One

Markets in Action the reasons for individuals, organisations, and societies having to make choices. This AS unit also includes, competitive markets and how they work, market failure, and government intervention.

Unit Two

The National and International Economy this unit explores aggregate demand and supply, government economic policy objectives, indicators of national economic performance, macro-economic policy instruments, and the nature of the international economy.

A Level (year two)

Unit Three

Economics of Work and Leisure this A2 unit looks at the nature of work and leisure, market structures and competitive behaviour in leisure markets, labour demand, supply and wage determination, and the role of government and trade unions in the labour market.

Unit Four

The Global Economy this synoptic unit focuses on themes such as, macro-economic performance, trade and integration, development and sustainability, and the economics of globalisation.

How you will learn

Class discussion, individual work and study, exam-focused teaching, presentations, and independent research.

How you will be assessed

The assessment style is designed to help you progress in your knowledge and skills. At AS the examinations include some short-answer and data-interpretation questions, plus short, written responses.

By A2, you will have to answer data-response questions, in addition to essay-style answers of varied lengths. The Global Economy examination is based uponpre-releasedstimulus material.

Special entry requirements

If you have studied Economics at GCSE we would expect you to have achieved at least a grade C. (Although it is not essential to have studied Economics at GCSE). To successfully study AS Economics we would also expect you to have achieved at least a grade C in GCSE English.

What the students say

The course material is not only engaging and relative to all our lives, but also very enjoyable. The teachers are enthusiastic, supportive and motivate their students to achieve their potential. I would recommend Economics to anyone joining the College. It has increased both my knowledge of Business and Economics, strengthened my university application, as well as increased my enjoyment of college experience.

Duncan Millin, now a University of Warwick undergraduate.

Other useful information

You will develop skills, qualities and attitudes that will help equip you for the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities of an adult academic and working life.