Economics

We offer Economics as an A-level option. Economics is a Social Science which attempts to understand the behaviour of individuals, governments, firms and nations in attempting to reconcile unlimited wants with scarce resources. It seeks to find the right answers for many of the problems facing these agents.

In this course, economic theory is applied to ‘real world’ current affairs questions such as:

  • What is the “Cost of Living Crisis” and how does it affect us?
  • Should we provide more aid to poor countries?
  • Should we protect U.K. jobs from foreign competition?
  • Why does the U.K. import so much but export so little and does it matter?
  • Do supermarkets give value for money or do they exploit the consumer and their
    suppliers?
  • What is globalisation and why does it create such controversy?
  • What is the best way of reducing global warming?
  • Will raising the National Minimum wage reduce poverty?
  • Are big firms better for society then many small competing ones?
  • To what extent should governments interfere in the activities of firms?
  • Has Covid changed the economy forever?
  • Is a ‘strong’ pound good for the U.K. economy?
  • How can we avoid financial crisis such as the Great Depression (1930’s) and the
    2008 Credit Crunch?
  • What are the implications of Brexit?

Students have a wide choice of higher education and career opportunities. An Economics qualification is highly respected by universities and employers. Students can go on to take a degree in Economics – all universities offer this subject. Economics is also an excellent foundation for many other higher education courses such as Business Studies, Geography, Law, Politics, Mathematics and History. Or, students can go directly into employment: opportunities are wide, but Economics is particularly valued for careers in business management and finance.

Meet Mrs Spencer, Head of Economics

Mrs Spencer studied Economics and Politics at the University of Exeter Business School, where she developed a lasting interest in the causes and ongoing consequences of the 2008 financial crisis. She became especially intrigued by the human behaviour behind the headlines – how fear, trust and decision-making ripple through markets and political systems.

With a particular passion for consumer behaviour and political economy, Mrs Spencer enjoys bringing relevance to the classroom by linking theory to real-world events. Whether it’s analysing government policy or exploring what drives shoppers’ choices, she enjoys helping students discover how economics and business shape the world around them.

She is especially enthusiastic about encouraging girls to study these subjects, which help build skills in analysis, leadership and communication, opening up a wide range of exciting opportunities.

Outside the classroom, Mrs Spencer enjoys running through the Devon countryside with her Labrador, Mac, and making the most of life in the South West. Having fallen in love with Devon as a student, she’s delighted to now be teaching in Exeter.

Where next?