Economics Exam Information
Course Content
Economics gives our students a thorough and rigorous understanding of the theory that underpins the workings of a modern day economy. Students study both microeconomic issues and also recent trends and developments in the UK economy, and important international dimensions of economics relevant to today’s globally interdependent world.
Study of Economics at Cheadle Hulme School provides students with an opportunity to engage in a wide range of issues relating to Economics. The course encourages students to improve understanding of key economic theories, develop reasoning and quantitative skills, and allows for significant independent research and thinking. Students will also develop the ability to assess the effectiveness of policy decisions that have influenced the UK economy over the past 10 years. Over and above this, students will be encouraged to communicate their ideas through presentations and Harkness style lessons.
The Department sets no formal entry requirements, other than those for entry into the Sixth Form. This is not an indication as to the difficulty of the course; rather the educational philosophy of the department. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.
Course Structure
100% Examination.
Paper 1: Markets and business behaviour (35% of the total qualification)
Each question is set in a context, drawing on topics from across Themes 1 (Introduction to markets and market failure) and 3 (Business behaviour and the labour market).
The paper comprises three sections. Students answer all questions from Section A and Section B, and one from Section C.
- Section A comprises a range of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
- Section B comprises one data response question broken down into a number of parts.
- Section C comprises a choice of extended open-response questions; students select one from a choice of two.
The assessment is 2 hours.
The assessment comprises 7 questions.
The assessment comprises 100 marks.
Paper 2: The national and global economy (35% of the total qualification)
Each question is set in a context, drawing on topics from across Themes 2 (The UK economy – performance and policies) and 4 (A global perspective).
The paper comprises three sections. Students answer all questions from Section A and Section B, and one from Section C.
Section A comprises a range of multiple-choice and short answer questions.
Section B comprises one data response question broken down into a number of parts.
Section C comprises a choice of extended open-response questions; students select one from a choice of two.
The assessment is 2 hours.
The assessment comprises 7 questions.
The assessment comprises 100 marks.
Paper 3: Microeconomics and Macroeconomics (30% of the total qualification)
Each question is set in a context, drawing on topics from across Themes 1, 2, 3 and 4.
The paper comprises two sections.
Each section comprises one data response question broken down into a number of parts, including a choice of extended open-response questions; students select one from a choice of two.
The assessment is 2 hours.
The assessment comprises 2 questions.
The assessment comprises 100 marks.
Entry Requirements
We would expect pupils to have a grade 7 or above in Mathematics.
Exam Board: EdExcel A Level Economics.
