A-Level Economics (AQA 7136)

Course Overview

If you have an enquiring mind and want to know how individuals, firms and governments make decisions that affect all of our lives, then A-level economics provides an excellent framework for understanding these issues. 

Economics underpins our lives – from questions such as “Can we afford a free NHS?”, to “How come some business owners earn million-pound bonuses?” An interest in current affairs is essential, together with a willingness to learn and apply economic models and ideas to a variety of contexts. We visit the Bank of England and there are opportunities to enter the Royal Economics Society Young Economist essay competition.

The course is 100% examined and comprises three components, two of which will focus on micro and macroeconomics, with the third being a synoptic paper. A-level economics will allow you to develop your skills of research, communication, analysis and evaluation, all of which will prepare you well for higher education. A-level economics works well with business studies, philosophy, history, mathematics and English.

You will study:

Individuals, Firms, Markets and Market Failure

  • The economic problem and economic methodology
  • Individual economic decision making
  • Price determination in a competitive market
  • Production, costs and revenue
  • Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
  • The labour market
  • The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality
  • The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets

The National and International Economy

  • The measurement of macroeconomic performance
  • How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis, and related concepts
  • Economic performance
  • Financial markets and monetary policy
  • Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
  • The international economy

“Economics will help me in the future by giving me a further understanding of how the ‘real world’ works.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: 7136

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English 

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment

100% Exam:

  • Paper 1: Markets and market failure – 33.3%
  • Paper 2: National and international economy – 33.3%
  • Paper 3:Economic principles and issues – 33.3%

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Finance & Business

  • Economist / Financial Analyst
  • Banker / Investment Analyst
  • Accountant / Management Consultant
  • Business Analyst / Market Researcher

Government & Policy

  • Civil Service / Policy Advisor
  • International Organisations (e.g., IMF, World Bank)
  • Economic Researcher

Other Related Careers

  • Actuary
  • Teacher / Lecturer in Economics or Business
  • Data Analyst
  • Journalist / Media Analyst

John Burniston – John.Burniston@astreastivo.org

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