Ratcliffe College - Sixth Form Handbook

ECONOMICS
Why choose Economics?
The Edexcel Economics B course
examines real world problems
in order to create a genuine
understanding of the important
concepts in economics.
It offers a distinctly different
approach with economic concepts
and theories taught through real
business contexts. The economic
theory means students understand
economic issues and events and
the business contexts help them
to understand the strategies
employed by businesses in
responding to these events.
It has updated content with an
introduction to the financial
sector and the role of banks,
the investigation of consumer
behaviour, business decisions and
government objectives and policies.
It reflects today’s global world,
with a focus on the current global
issues that impact on the economy
and the businesses operating
within them.
All assessments are based on real
business contexts, real data and
real economic issues. Students will
develop a range of skills, including
numeracy, communication,
commercial awareness and critical
thinking, in order to make a
smooth transition to the next level
of study. Students can learn how to
participate effectively in society as
a citizen, producer and consumer.
Related Subjects
Economics complements most
other A Level subjects, especially
essay based subjects. Students will
develop a range of skills, including
numeracy, communication,
economic awareness and critical
thinking.
Higher Education and Careers
Options
Students with an A Level
qualification in Economics
have access to a wide variety
of higher education and career
opportunities. During the course,
students will develop such skills as
collecting and analysing economic
and business data, written and
verbal communication skills, and
the ability to solve, evaluate and
discuss economic problems.
The course complements a range
of social science and humanities
subjects and can lead to courses
and careers in such areas as law,
business, accounting, economics,
politics, retail services, transport
and logistics, financial services,
human resource management,
marketing, etc.
Course Requirements
You should have at least six
good Pass Grades at GCSE Level
to cope successfully with any A
Level course. Ideally, Grades B in
Mathematics and in an essay-based
subject such as History or Religious
Studies are usually necessary.
Key skills to be developed during
the course are communication,
numeracy, problem-solving,
information technology and
teamwork.
Course Details
The A Level is structured into four
coherent themes to support teaching
and learning:
• Theme 1 introduces students to
markets, consumers and firms
• Theme 2 introduces students to the
wider economic environment
• Theme 3 explores the global economy
• Theme 4 explores how markets work
There are three externally assessed
papers at A Level. Each paper
comprises 100 marks and is two hours
in duration. Questions comprise short
answer, data response and essay.
Extra-curricular
Students in Year 12 have the
opportunity to apply for a
position in the Young Enterprise
Company Programme. This
involves setting up their own ‘real’
company in school, with regular
Board Meetings, attendance at
Training Events held locally,
and competition with other
Young Enterprise Companies
in Leicestershire and the East
Midlands.
Papers 1 and 2 count for 35% each,
while paper 3 counts for 30% of the A
Level.
Paper 1 examines themes 1 & 4,
Paper 2 examines themes 2 & 3
Paper 3 examines all 4 themes.
Quantitative Skills
The A Level assesses quantitative skills,
making up a minimum of 10% of the
overall marks.
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