A Level Economics | Learning | Academics | Curriculum| Sixth Form | Ryde School | Isle of Wight

IBDP/CP Economics

Economics is an exciting, dynamic subject that allows students to develop an understanding of the complexities and interdependence of economic activities in a rapidly changing world.
At the heart of economic theory is the problem of scarcity. While the world’s population has unlimited needs and wants, there are limited resources to satisfy these needs and wants. As a result of this scarcity, choices have to be made. The DP economics course, at both SL and HL, uses economic theories to examine the ways in which these choices are made:
  • at the level of producers and consumers in individual markets (microeconomics)
  • at the level of the government and the national economy (macroeconomics)
  • at an international level where countries are becoming increasingly interdependent through international trade and the movement of labour and capital (the global economy)
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

GCSE English or History Grade 6, Mathematics Grade 5
“I have enjoyed studying economics, the management of scarce resources, as it reveals the importance of everyday decisions in everybody’s lives.”

WHERE THIS SUBJECT CAN TAKE YOU

Students are able to gain entry to a range of courses at university from: Core Economics to Finance, Business, Human Geography and Politics. Many of the leading banking, finance and development organisations have well established apprenticeship and internship schemes for those choosing not to go to university.

AWARD

A LEVEL EDEXCEL Economics A

COURSE CONTENT/STRUCTURE

A Level economics has 3 exams at the end of Year 13.

Paper 1 covers Microeconomic issues, Paper 2 assesses Macroeconomics and the final exam, combines both disciplines and requires the application of key markets such as Energy, Housing, the Gig Economy, Agriculture
or key issues such as Gambling, Health and Income Inequality.

Students Study the four core units:
Theme 1: Introduction to markets and Market Failure
Theme 2: The UK Economy: performance and policies
Theme 3: Business Behaviour and Labour Markets
Theme 4: A Global Perspective

ASSESSMENT

  • Exam Paper 1:
    Content from Themes 1 and 3
    Multiple choice, data response and an essay
  • Exam Paper 2:
    Content from Theme 2 and 4
    Multiple choice, data response and an essay
  • Exam Paper 3:
    Content from all units.
    Data response and extended essay

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