Economics

Course at a Glance 

Why Study Economics? 

Economics helps students understand how individuals, businesses and governments make decisions when resources are limited. 

Why do prices rise? What causes unemployment? Should the government increase taxes? Why are some countries richer than others? How should the Bank of England respond to inflation? 

Students use economic theories, diagrams, evidence and current events to investigate these questions. They learn to analyse problems, compare different viewpoints and reach well supported judgements. 

Economics is particularly suitable for students interested in current affairs, politics, business, finance and the major challenges facing society.

Is Economics Right for Me? 

Economics is predominantly an essay-based subject. Students who enjoy extended writing, debating current issues and constructing analytical arguments are likely to excel. 

Quantitative skills constitute a minimum of 20% of the qualification. These include percentages, percentage changes, ratios, index numbers, elasticity calculations and interpreting economic data. However, Economics is not primarily a mathematics course. Strong written analysis and evaluation are essential for success. 

What Will I Study? 

The course is divided into four themes.

How Is the Course Assessed? 

The full A Level is assessed through three examinations at the end of Year 13. 

Students answer multiple choice questions, short answer questions, calculations, data response questions and extended essays. 

Paper 3 is synoptic, which means students must make connections between microeconomics and macroeconomics. 

Preparing for A Level Economics 

Prospective students should complete the academy’s A Level Economics Transition Pack before beginning the course. 

The transition pack introduces students to: 

• Microeconomics and macroeconomics 

• Scarcity and opportunity cost 

• Globalisation and unemployment  

• Behavioural economics 

• Current UK economic issues  

• Recommended videos, articles and wider viewing

Students should also complete the selected activities from the free Tutor2u Head Start for A Level Economics course. 

Recommended Online Resources 

EconplusDal - Learning economic theory, diagrams and chains of reasoning.

Tutor2u - Real world application, current economic issues and revision.

Expert Tuition - Examination technique, essay structure and paper walkthroughs.

Up Learn - This is a course paid for all Bridge students which provides video explanations on every unit of the specification. This will be the foundation of Independent Revision. 

Physics & Math Tutor - Detailed Explanations on every unit in the course. Including Theme 1, Theme 2, Theme 3 and Theme 4.

Pearson Edexcel Economics A - Official specification and assessment information.

Economics News 

Successful Economics students regularly follow current economic developments. This strengthens their ability to apply relevant examples and evidence in examinations. 

BBC Economy - Accessible coverage of inflation, growth, unemployment, wages and government policy.

Financial Times - Detailed analysis of financial markets, trade, central banks and the global economy.

The Guardian Economics - Economic debates surrounding inequality, taxation, public spending and living standards.

The Economist - International economic, political and business analysis.

Wider Reading 

Economics: The User’s Guide by Ha-Joon Chang - An accessible introduction to different economic ideas and schools of thought.

Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner - Shows how economic thinking can be applied to unexpected real world questions.

The Undercover Economist by Tim Harford - Explains how economics influences everyday choices, prices and markets.

23 Things They Don’t Tell You About Capitalism by Ha-Joon Chang - Challenges common assumptions about markets, governments and economic policy.

Entry Requirements 

Please refer to The Bridge Academy Sixth Form entry requirements for the latest information. 

Students do not need to have studied Economics at GCSE. However, they should be confident with extended writing, basic numerical skills and engaging with current affairs.