Sixth Form
Economics
Economics deciphers the complex systems that drive global wealth, resources, and human behavior, empowering students to analyse and influence the forces shaping our global future.
At Ryde you can study Economics at A Level and IBDP.
Why study Economics at Ryde School?
Studying Economics at Ryde School at A Level or the International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a dynamic pathway for students passionate about global affairs, financial systems, and human decision-making. Our students do not just study theory; they learn to think like pioneering economists, developing the critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and data-driven insights needed to decode complex global challenges.
This versatile discipline is highly valued by universities and employers alike, leading seamlessly to competitive degrees in economics, finance, business, politics, and human geography. It also provides an excellent foundation for direct entry into the professional world, where leading banking, finance, and development organisations offer prestigious apprenticeships for school leavers. Ultimately, an economics education at Ryde equips students with the strategic mindset required to lead in public policy, corporate management, or high finance.
Courses Available
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.
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.”
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
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
Award
ECONOMICS AWARD – IBDP & IBCP
Economics (Individuals and Societies – Group 3)
Course Content/Structure
The IB course includes 3 short pieces of coursework (Internal Assessment) based on contemporary economic issues in the news and exams at the end of the Year 13. Higher Level sit three exams while Standard Level students only sit two, with the third, Higher Level paper having a focus on students numeracy skills.
Students Study the four core units:
- Unit 1: Introduction to Economics
- Unit 2: Microeconomics
- Unit 3: Macroeconomics
- Unit 4: The global Economy
Assessment
- Internal Assessment 1 (end of Year 1)
- Internal Assessment 2 (Start of Year 2)
- Internal Assessment 3 (after Christmas Year 2)
Exam Paper 1: - Extended response questions. 2 essays.
Exam Paper 2: - Data Response questions. Short answers and 1 essay
Exam paper 3 (Higher Level only): - Numeracy and 1 Policy essay