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Economics - KS5

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Students at SJB study Economics to improve their commecial awareness, enhance their strategic thinking and develop a greater understanding of the global business environment and how to influence it

Explore how the world really works with Edexcel Economics A Level—learn why prices rise, how governments make decisions, and what drives global trade. This course builds critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued by universities and employers, opening doors to careers in business, finance, and beyond.

Exam Board: Edexcel (Pearson)

Qualification: A Level Economics A

Edexcel Economics A SpecificationBusiness and Economics Curriculum mapA-level Economics has no coursework and is 100% exam based.

What Will You Study?

A-level Economics helps you understand how economies work and how decisions affect individuals, businesses, and governments. You’ll study:

  • Microeconomics – how markets operate, consumer and business behaviour, market failure, and government intervention
  • Macroeconomics – national and global economic performance, inflation, unemployment, economic growth, and international trade
  • Themes in Economics – including globalisation, labour, financial markets, inequality, and sustainability

You’ll apply theory to real-world issues and develop skills in analysis, evaluation, and data interpretation.

In Year 12 microeconomics students will learn about:

  • Nature of economics
  • How markets work
  • Market failure
  • Government intervention
  • Business growth
  • Revenues and costs

In Year 12 macroeconomics students will learn about:

  • Measures of economic performance
  • Aggregate demand
  • Aggregate supply
  • National income
  • Economic growth
  • Macroeconomic objectives and policies
  • Poverty and inequality
  • The role of the state in the macroeconomy

In Year 13 microeconomics students will learn about:

  • Profit
  • Market structures
  • Labour markets
  • Government intervention

In Year 13 macroeconomics students will learn about:

  • International economics
  • Emerging and developing economies
  • The financial sector
Assessment is through three written exams at the end of Year 13:
  • Paper 1: Markets and business behaviour (35%)
  • Paper 2: National and global economy (35%)
  • Paper 3: Synoptic paper based on a broad economic theme and all content studied (30%)
    Each paper is 2 hours long and includes data response, essay questions, and case studies.
You’ll develop:
  • Analytical and evaluative thinking
  • Confidence in interpreting data and trends
  • Understanding of real-world economic issues
  • Skills in structured argument and decision-making
Economics is highly valued by universities and employers. It can lead to:
  • Degrees in Economics, Finance, Politics, or Business
  • Apprenticeships in banking, accountancy, or public policy
  • Careers in:
    • Economic analysis
    • Government and civil service
    • Finance and banking
    • Consultancy
    • Journalism
    • International organisations

For students to be successful in Economics they must be interested in the subject, have a mathematical brain but also be able to write!

Entry Requirments:  

  • A minimum of a grade 7 in GCSE Maths is essential
  • It is desirable to also have a grade 6 in GCSE English
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