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About AS Level Economics
AS Level Economics is the first year of A Level economics, usually taken in Year 12. Students sit the exams at the end of that year. It covers how markets work and why they fail, then how whole economies are measured and managed. It works two ways: as a qualification in its own right, or as the first half of a full A Level.
Economics rewards thinking, not recalling. Students need to draw the right diagram, explain what it shows, apply it to the situation in the question, and then judge how convincing the argument is. Most lost marks come from stopping one step early, with a correct answer that never reaches a conclusion.
We teach the AS as its own qualification, not a warm-up for the second year. Lessons follow the specification your child's school uses, we work from real past papers from their board, and we mark essays and data responses the way an examiner would. Parents can follow progress in the Centaurus Academy LMS all year.
Who AS Level Economics Is For
This course suits Year 12 students who want an AS economics grade they can rely on.
- Year 12 students sitting AS Economics this summer
- Students aiming at economics, business, finance or PPE degrees
- Learners pushing from a B up to an A
- Students who understand the theory but cannot apply it to a case
- Students who lose marks on evaluation and final judgements
AS Level Economics Exam Boards We Cover
The boards split the AS in different ways. AQA and OxfordAQA blend multiple choice with one data response, Edexcel adds short answer questions, and Cambridge gives two thirds of the marks to a data response plus two essays. We teach the exact papers your child sits, so no lesson time is spent on material that will not be examined.
AQA
Two papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 70 marks, worth 50% each. Paper 1 is The operation of markets and market failure and covers content 1 to 5, from economic methodology and price determination to competitive markets and government intervention. Paper 2 is The national economy in a global context and covers content 6 to 9, from measuring macroeconomic performance to macroeconomic policy. Both papers have the same shape: 20 multiple choice questions worth 20 marks, then data response questions worth 50 marks, where students choose one context from two. Every question paper is compulsory.
Edexcel
Two papers, each 1 hour 30 minutes and 80 marks, worth 50% each, and all assessment is completed in May or June of a single year. Paper 1 is Introduction to markets and market failure, drawn from Theme 1 microeconomics: the nature of economics, how markets work, market failure and government intervention. Paper 2 is The UK economy, performance and policies, drawn from Theme 2 macroeconomics: measures of economic performance, aggregate demand and supply, national income, growth, and macroeconomic objectives and policy. Each paper has a section of multiple-choice and short-answer questions, then one data response question broken into parts.
Cambridge
Two papers make up the AS, and there is no coursework. Paper 1 is AS Level Multiple Choice, 1 hour and 30 marks, worth 33% of the AS. Paper 2 is AS Level Data Response and Essays, 2 hours and 60 marks, worth 67%: one compulsory data response question worth 20 marks, then one essay from a choice of two mainly on microeconomics, and one essay from a choice of two mainly on macroeconomics, each worth 20 marks with two parts. Candidates take both papers in the same exam series. Exams run in June and November, and in March for schools in India. Students can carry the AS forward into the full A Level.
OxfordAQA
Two units, each 1 hour 45 minutes and 80 marks, and each worth 50% of the AS. Unit 1 is The operation of markets, market failure and the role of government. Unit 2 is The national economy in a global environment. Both units have the same two compulsory sections: multiple choice questions worth 15 marks, then one data response context worth 65 marks, with short answer, calculation, diagram and extended response questions. The AS is worth 40% of the full International A Level. Exams run in May/June and January, and units can be retaken.
How Centaurus Helps AS Level Economics Students Excel
Diagrams That Earn Marks
Economics answers start with a diagram, and an unlabelled or wrongly shifted curve costs marks before the writing begins. We drill the core diagrams until your child draws them accurately without thinking.
Evaluation and Judgement
The highest marks go to students who weigh both sides and reach a clear conclusion. We teach a repeatable structure for that last step, because it is where most grades are decided.
Data Response Technique
Every board gives a real economic context and asks questions on it. Your child learns to pull the useful numbers and evidence out of the extract, rather than writing general theory.
Real-World Examples
Examiners reward current, specific examples. We build a bank of cases your child can use confidently, and keep it up to date through the year.
Classes in Your Local Time
Live sessions scheduled around your time zone, so no late nights or early mornings just to make a class.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AS Level Economics support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
Our expert tutors bring deep subject knowledge and a passion for teaching — helping every student reach their full potential.
What Parents Say About Us
Hear from the parents and students who have experienced our personalised teaching first-hand.
Excellent long-term experience
We have an excellent long-term experience with the academy and Sir Awais. Our three children studied with them during different periods and succeeded well. We highly recommend the academy.
Excellent academy
Centaurus Academy is truly one of the best educational institutions I've come across. The environment is nurturing, the staff are incredibly dedicated, and the quality of education is outstanding. They focus not only on academic excellence but also on character building and personal growth. The teachers are supportive and go the extra mile to ensure every student feels confident and motivated.
My child has gained confidence
I'm very satisfied with the dedication and teaching approach. My child has gained confidence and improved significantly in understanding math concepts, thanks to the teacher's clear explanations and supportive guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About AS Level Economics
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