Oundle School
There will be an opportunity at the beginning of the Easter Quarter for Fifth Form pupils to attend a short introductory talk to find out more about the Economics Course.
Owing to the nature of the course and the fact that the subject is new to Oundelians in the Sixth Form, no modules are taken in the Lower Sixth. All pupils choosing Economics will be committed to the course until at least January of the Upper Sixth. At this stage pupils who opt for the full A Level will take three of their examined units and those who are just taking an AS level in the subject will take the two relevant papers. During the Easter and Trinity Quarters of the Upper Sixth, A Level pupils will then concentrate upon Unit 3 and upon any Units which may need to be re-sat in June.
Pre-U subjects are linear and hence will be examined at the end of the two year course. Pupils opting for Pre-U Economics will take all four A Level modules in January of the Upper Sixth and the three Pre-U papers in June of that year.
Economics
Head of Department: A.P. Ireson, MA (Cambridge) DipFM
Course Specification: AQA
(2140) and 
Specification
in full [490 KB]
Cambridge
Pre-U Economics
Economics draws on skills developed in both Arts and Science subjects and employs them in the understanding of one of the central problems of mankind: that of limited resources and unlimited wants. This understanding is developed through a critical consideration of current issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life.
Those taking the course learn to apply economic concepts and theories in
a range of contexts, and to appreciate their value and limitations in explaining
real world phenomena. Both courses start with an evaluation of the strengths
and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of the government within
it, and an understanding of the British economy. The subject helps pupils
to develop clear and logical thinking and an analytical approach to problem-solving,
and also to look for the wider implications of any event. No prior knowledge
of Economics is assumed.
The difference between the two courses
As its name suggests, the Pre-U course will be excellent preparation for those wishing to study the subject beyond school and will provide pupils with a better appreciation and understanding of the theoretical framework upon which various areas of the subject rely. The Pre-U course will involve both greater breadth and more depth of understanding of topics and the examination format will ensure that such knowledge and understanding is rewarded.
It will be necessary for those candidates choosing the Pre-U course to opt both for Economics as one of their main subjects and for Pre-U Economics as their Short Extension course. Within this Short Extension course, the emphasis will be on two areas. First, the study of the aforementioned additional theory and second, and predominantly, on the application of the subject to everyday life, with great emphasis placed on newspaper articles and web pages, such as the ‘Evanomics’ page on the BBC website. It is important to note that those opting for Pre-U Economics will also complete A Level Economics in the January of their Upper Sixth.
Course Requirements
No specific GCSEs are required at this level, although a good grade in Mathematics GCSE is highly desirable (see the comments about Higher Education below).Subject Combinations
Economics has been combined with every other A Level offered at Oundle. As a Social Science it fits into almost any combination of subjects.Higher Education
The study of Economics in the Sixth Form is not a requirement for entry to read Economics at university, but about 70% of Economics undergraduates have taken the subject at school. Most universities require at least an AS level in Mathematics and many of the more competitive ones prefer Mathematics to have been studied to A Level. Graduates in Economics are employed in almost all walks of life, with Management, Administration and Accountancy the most common professions.
Pattern
of Assessment (Pre-U Economics)