Economics AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

This subject is highly topical, covering most of the major issues in public life. For example, pupils would look at the impact of issues such as ‘Brexit’ and how it affects the UK economy in terms of employment, trade patterns and the standard of living. Consequently, an interest in current affairs is recommended. Although the subject is primarily theoretical, the work in the classroom can be related directly to the world outside.

Pupils considering studying Economics at university are advised to take Mathematics at A Level, as some degrees require a high level of mathematical competence. However, at A Level, the ability to work out percentage changes and analyse basic numerical trends is all that is required. This intellectual discipline, together with the subject’s relevance to commerce and industry, means it is viewed favourably by employers, often exempting pupils from part of professional examinations such as accountancy qualifications. GCSE Economics is a good introduction to A Level Economics, but those who have not taken it are not disadvantaged as long as they work with determination.

A LEVEL EXAMINATION

PAPER 1 - Markets and Business Behaviour

An analysis of Market failure and government intervention. There is a close evaluation of Revenues, Profits, the Labour Market and Business Objectives.

WEIGHTING 35%

PAPER 2 - The National and Global Economy

Themes include International Economics examining Development, Poverty and Inequality, the Financial Sector and the Role of the State.

WEIGHTING 35%

PAPER 3 - Microeconomics and Macroeconomics

A final opportunity to put all elements of the A Level course together in a test of higher order, thinking and expression.

WEIGHTING 30%

Assessment is by a combination of structured essays, projects, data responses, multiple choice questions and calculation questions.

Lessons will involve a combination of class discussions, note taking and independent research. Pupils are encouraged to subscribe to ‘Economics Today’ at a cost of £15 per annum.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Economics and Business Studies, which could lead onto higher education in areas of Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Marketing or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to economics, business, marketing, finance and accounting, human resources and public relations. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that could help you do a trainee management course within a company to gain the skills, understanding and experience that they require so you can progress to working at management level.