Sutton Grammar School students can study Economics - considered one of the social sciences - at AS and A-Level. Along with other social science topics offered in the Sixth Form, such as Psychology and Government & Politics, Economics seeks to explain certain aspects of human behaviour; hence, they do not share the same predictive nature of the natural sciences.

Economics lends itself to cross-curricular study, with ties to both Geography and History. It is also a valuable partner to Business Studies, although students opting to study AS/A-Level Economics do not need to have studied either Economics or Business Studies at GCSE level.

Students opting to study Economics at AS/A-Level need to be confident in using GCSE-level Mathematical techniques. AS/A-Level Economics will also involve some of the concepts taught in Mathematics at AS-Level, although this should not deter students who are not studying Maths to this level.

The ability to write lucidly and concisely, with correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, is essential for a student who wishes to be successful.

Course Outline

Exam Board: Edexcel
Exam Reference (AS-Level): 8121
Exam Reference (A-Level): 9121

Each student is expected to have an open, receptive mind about changes in the modern world. It will be necessary for each individual to follow current events relevant to course topics, either in the quality press or by watching factual television programmes offering discussion and analysis. Students must be capable of providing coherent analyses on such events, and will be required to discuss these in the classroom using websites such as BBC News.

AS-Level

Unit 1: Markets: How they work
Unit 2: Markets: Why they fail
Unit 3: Managing the Economy

A-Level

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Further Study and Careers

AS and A-Level Economics is a useful qualification for a student who wishes to progress to Higher Education to read for a degree in Economics, or in areas such as....

• Government & Politics
• History
• Geography
• Finance
• Accounting
• Business Management

Students who have studied Economics are extremely employable; there is a nationwide shortage of economists - especially in the public sector in areas such as central and local government - although many economists enter the business and finance sectors.