AQA AS and A-level Economics Overview

Introduction to AQA AS and A-level Economics

1.1 Why Choose AQA for AS and A-level Economics

  • Relevant Content: Engaging curriculum designed with input from teachers and universities; emphasis on real-world applications of economic theories.

  • Connects economic theory to current issues, fostering understanding of micro and macroeconomic interrelations.

  • Real Life Skills Development: Focus on analytical skills, data interpretation, critical thinking, and informed decision-making.

  • Stresses the importance of both qualitative and quantitative evidence in arguments.

  • Assessment Success: Varied question paper styles, including real-life case studies to equip students for future studies and employment.

  • Developed in collaboration with assessment specialists to ensure clarity and applicability of knowledge.

  • Flexible Teaching Options: AS and A-level qualifications can be taught independently or together, allowing customization based on student needs.

  • Comprehensive Support: Extensive resources for teachers, including direct contact with the Economics subject team and professional development opportunities.

1.2 Support and Resources to Help You Teach

  • Teaching Resources: Access to an array of materials designed to enhance teaching, including:

  • Flexible sample schemes of work to accommodate different teaching styles.

  • Individual lesson plans for topic continuity and progression.

  • Scrutinized student textbooks and e-learning materials.

  • Professional development courses tailored for all teaching levels.

  • Exam Preparation: Resources offered for effective exam readiness, including:

  • Past papers and mark schemes.

  • Specimen papers for new courses and exemplar answers with comments from examiners.

  • Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA) tool for performance analysis by identifying challenging areas and improving teaching strategies.

  • Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing education across various teaching aspects, including differentiation and management courses.

  • Access to Support: Availability of guidance, resources, and direct communication with support staff via email or phone channels.

2 Specification At a Glance

2.1 AS Subject Content
  • Major Topics:
  1. Economic methodology and the economic problem.
  2. Price determination in competitive markets.
  3. Production, costs, and revenue.
  4. Competitive vs. concentrated markets.
  5. Market mechanisms, market failure, and government intervention.
  6. Measurement of macroeconomic performance.
  7. Macroeconomy functionality via circular flow of income and related analysis.
  8. Economic performance and macroeconomic policy.
  • Assessments:
  • Paper 1: Focus on market operations and failures, 1.5 hours, 70 marks (50% of AS).
  • Paper 2: Examines national economy in a global context, 1.5 hours, 70 marks (50% of AS).
2.2 A-level Subject Content
  • Major Topics:
  1. Economic problem and methodology.
  2. Individual economic decision-making.
  3. Price determination and competitive market structures.
  4. Production, costs, and revenue management.
  5. Market types - perfect competition, monopoly, etc.
  6. Labor market analysis.
  7. Income and wealth distribution issues.
  8. Market mechanisms, failures, and government roles.
  9. Measurement and workings of the macroeconomy.
  10. Economic performance metrics.
  11. Financial markets and associated policies.
  12. Fiscal and supply-side policies.
  13. Understanding of the international economy.
  • Assessments:
  • Paper 1: Focus on markets and market failures, 2 hours, 80 marks (33.3% of A-level).
  • Paper 2: Analysis of national and international economies, 2 hours, 80 marks (33.3% of A-level).