A-Level Economics

Exam Boards: AQA, OCR, Edexcel

A-Level Economics Course Structure and Teaching Approach
Exam Boards: AQA, OCR, Edexcel

Course Structure
The A-Level Economics course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of economic principles, policy-making, and the interaction of markets on a local and global scale. It enhances critical thinking, analytical, and evaluative skills necessary for higher education and professional fields like economics, finance, and public policy.

1. Topics Covered (Aligned with Exam Boards)
Core Topics (Common to AQA, OCR, and Edexcel):
1. Microeconomics (60 hours)
• The Economic Problem: Scarcity, Choice, and Opportunity Cost.
• Demand, Supply, and Market Equilibrium: Elasticities and Consumer/Producer Surplus.
• Market Failure: Public Goods, Externalities, and Government Intervention.
• Market Structures: Perfect Competition, Monopoly, Oligopoly, and Monopolistic Competition.
• Labor Markets: Wage Determination, Trade Unions, and Discrimination.
• Behavioral Economics (Board-Specific Depth): Rationality and Irrationality in Decision-Making.
2. Macroeconomics (60 hours)
• Economic Indicators: GDP, Inflation, Unemployment, and the Balance of Payments.
• Economic Growth and Development: Factors, Benefits, and Challenges.
• Fiscal Policy: Taxation, Government Spending, and Budgetary Challenges.
• Monetary Policy: Role of Central Banks, Interest Rates, and Inflation Control.
• Global Economics: Trade, Exchange Rates, Globalization, and Trade Barriers.
3. Themes and Policy Debates (20 hours)
• Environmental Sustainability and Economic Policies.
• Inequality and Redistribution of Wealth.
• The Impact of Technological Change on Economies.
4. Examination Preparation (10 hours)
• Structuring Answers for Short-Answer, Data Response, and Extended Essays.
• Practice with Past Papers and Focused Exam Strategies.

Exam Board-Specific Emphasis:
AQA:
• Integration of theoretical and real-world economic applications.
• Strong focus on quantitative skills and data analysis.
OCR:
• Greater emphasis on macroeconomic policies and their evaluation.
• Exploration of sustainability and globalization.
Edexcel:
• Comprehensive approach with equal weight to microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global perspectives.
• Detailed coverage of behavioral economics.

Teaching Approach
• Step-by-step explanations of core principles.
• Visual aids like diagrams and flowcharts to simplify complex ideas.
• Real-world applications through case studies on issues like inflation and fiscal challenges.
• Structured practice for essays and data response questions.
• Interactive lessons, including policy debates and market simulations.
• Individualized support and personalized feedback.

Completion Time
The course is designed to be completed in 140-150 hours, depending on the exam board and student pace.
• Weekly Schedule: 3-4 hours per week (10-12 months).
• Intensive Option: 6-7 hours per week (6-8 months).

Additional Support
• Trial Classes: A free or discounted 1-hour session to introduce students to the course.
• Flexible Payment Options: Weekly or monthly payments, with upfront payment discounts.
• Revision Courses: Intensive holiday sessions focusing on key topics and exam strategies.
• Economic Awareness Workshops: Workshops on topics like inflation and global trade.
• University and Career Guidance: UCAS application support and insights into economics-related careers.