Economics
Economics provides transferable skills allowing students a smooth transition from an educational environment to a work environment.
At Townsend, we aim to ensure that students studying Economics develop a range of life skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, independent learning, and communication, while enjoying the course we offer and meeting their academic potential. We aim to instil a lifelong interest in Economics at a local, national and international level.
The Economics curriculum provides a knowledge and understanding of core and complex economic models and concepts. The content is reinforced through a variety of practice questions and case studies, with regular feedback supporting student progress. All students are encouraged to develop an understanding of current events, and we aim to ensure that students continue to think critically and question the changing economic environment around them.
Economics A-level ranks 5th by popularity among all subjects in the UK for 2026 and is one of the most popular social sciences at university.
Course Details
Edexcel Economics A – A Level
Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/economics-a-2015.html
Course Description
The Edexcel A Level Economics specification is divided into four themes.
Year 12
Theme 1: Introduction to Markets and Market Failure
Students develop an understanding of Microeconomics including:
- Demand and Supply
- Firm and Consumer Behaviour
- Causes of market failure
- Government intervention in markets
Theme 2: The UK Economy – Performance and Policies
Students explore Macroeconomics including:
- Aggregate demand and aggregate supply
- Key UK Economic Objectives
- Government policies (monetary, fiscal and supply side)
Year 13
Theme 3: Business Behaviour and the Labour Market
Students investigate how businesses operate and compete within different market structures including:
- Market structures from perfect competition to monopoly
- Market contestability
- Revenue, costs and profit
- Market Growth
- Perfect and Imperfect Labour markets
- Trade Unions
Theme 4: A Global Perspective
Students study international economics and contemporary global issues, including:
- Globalisation
- International trade
- Exchange rates
- The financial sector
Assessment
Final assessment is through external exams and consists of three papers. All three papers will be examined in May/June of the second year. Each paper lasts 2 hours with 100 marks.
Paper 1 – Themes 1 and 3 – Worth 35%
- Section A – 15 multiple-choice and short answer questions
- Section B –Data Response
- Section C – Essay questions (choice of one from two)
Paper 2 – Themes 2 and 4 – Worth 35%
- Section A – 15 multiple-choice and short-answer questions
- Section B – Data Response
- Section C – Essay questions (choice of one from two)
Paper 3 – Synoptic – Worth 30%
Two sections – Each with a compulsory data response and a choice of essay questions.
Home Learning
Students will be given homework tasks each week to complete. We use Showbie, Edulink and other platforms such as Seneca Learning. Homework will include activities such as: –
- Flipped learning
- Reading and activities to prepare in advance for lessons
- Completing a quiz to check understanding of a topic
- Answer exam questions on a topic
- Research a specific topic, such as the wider economic impacts of HS2
- Create a presentation to deliver in class on a specific topic, such as an economic overview of a developing country
- Revise/create revision materials on certain topics
As well as completing the weekly homework tasks, students should be reading through their class notes after each lesson to check understanding and prepare questions to ask the teacher where additional help is needed. To help with revision for the exam, it is recommended that students prepare revision resources for topics as they are learning them. Students should be prepared to study independently and use all the resources available to them both in and out of the classroom. This includes a commitment to wider reading/study, including keeping up to date with current economic news both national and international.
Where Can Economics Take You?
Further Study:
- Apprenticeship in Economics, Business or Accounting
- Degrees in Economics, Business, Management, Administration, Finance, Accounting, Politics, International Relations
- Professional Business and Finance qualifications such as AAT, CIMA, ACCA, ACA, MBA
Careers:
- Economist
- Accountant
- Management Consultant
- Actuary
- Economics Teacher
- Banking
- Stockbroker
- FX Broker
- Analyst
How Can Parents Support Their Child’s Learning?
- Ask your child to describe what they learnt in their lesson
- Discuss current business and economic events to engage your child in wider learning and reading
- Review work set on Showbie and Edulink
- Use your child’s work/revision resources/flash cards to ask them questions and test their knowledge. Regular repetition will consolidate learning and practice key skills, particularly diagram drawing
- Encourage your child to attend consolidation and revision sessions
- Ensure your child is completing enough work outside the classroom to thrive at A Level (an average of 4-5 hours per week, per A Level subject in addition to class time is recommended)
Useful links
- Seneca learning – https://app.senecalearning.com
- Tutor2u – https://www.tutor2u.net/economics
- Textbook – Edexcel AS/A Level Economics (Anderton and Gray)
- Revision guide – AS and A-Level Economics: Complete Revision & Practice (with Online Edition) (CGP A-Level Economics)
- Economics Review – https://www.hoddereducation.co.uk/magazines/magazines-extras/economics-review-extras
For More Information, contact Mrs P. Hill, Head of Economics and Business, Townsend Church of England School.
