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 the European Single Market and the Treaty of Maastricht on the British economy. It analyses issues that grab the headlines: unemployment, taxation and the prospect of a ‘single currency’. Consequently, a keen interest in current affairs and post-war history, as well as a willingness to read quality newspapers is essential. Although the subject is primarily theoretical, the work in the classroom can be related directly to the world outside.

Pupils considering studying Economics at degree level are advised to take Mathematics at either AS or A2 Level, as some degrees require a high level of mathematical competence. This intellectual discipline, together with the subject’s relevance to commerce and industry, mean 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 and need not be discouraged from taking the subject.

AS EXAMINATION

UNIT 1

Competitive Markets

An examination of the operation of Markets for Goods and Services as well as an analysis of why Markets fail to be efficient.

AS 50% A2 25%

UNIT 2

Managing the Economy

An introduction to the main objectives and instruments of government policy.

AS 50% A2 25%

A2 EXAMINATION

UNIT 3

Business Economics and Economic Efficiency

An examination of the different types of markets (Monopoly, Oligopoly and Perfect Competition) and how these differences influence the behaviour of firms.

20%

UNIT 4

The Global Economy

An examination of the UK in the context of the world economy. It focuses on International trade, exchange rates and developing economies.

30%

Assessment is by a combination of structured essays, data response and supported multiple choice questions. AS modules are taken at the end of the Lower Sixth and A2 modules at the end of the Upper Sixth year.

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 £10 per annum. There will be an opportunity to visit either the Stock Exchange or the Bank of England.

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.