ECONOMICS

Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: Edexcel (A)
Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page
Assessment: 

• Paper 1 – Assessed on themes 1 and 3 – 2 hour long exam, worth 35%
• Paper 2 – Assessed on themes 2 and 4 – 2 hour long exam, worth 35%
• Paper 3 – Assessed on all four themes – 2 hour long exam, worth 30%

Content

Economics A-Level consists of four themes:

• Theme 1 – Introduction to markets and market failure
• Theme 2 – The UK economy (performance and policies)
• Theme 3 – Business behaviour and the labour market
• Theme 4 – A global perspective

Futures

Studying Economics at A-Level gives you a deep understanding of how the world works, from the basics of supply and demand to the complexities of global markets and economic policies. This knowledge is highly valued across many sectors, including finance, business, government, and international relations. Many Economics students go on to pursue degrees in economics, business, finance, law, and politics at top universities.

Economics A-Level is especially useful for those considering careers in finance or public policy, but it’s also an excellent foundation for a wide range of fields, from media to non-profits. Whether you’re interested in shaping business strategies or understanding global economic challenges, Economics A-Level opens the door to numerous exciting opportunities.

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MATHEMATICS

Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: AQA
Assessment:

• Paper 1 – Pure Maths – 2 hour long exam, calculator allowed
• Paper 2 – Pure Maths and Mechanics – 2 hour long exam, calculator allowed
• Paper 3 – Pure Maths and Statistics – 2 hour long exam, calculator allowed

Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page

Content

Mathematics A-Level consists of:

• Pure Mathematics - approximately two thirds of the course. Includes calculus, coordinate geometry, exponential and logarithms, functions and trigonometry.
• Statistics - approximately one sixth of the course. Includes probability, hypothesis testing and data collection and interpretation.
• Mechanics - approximately one sixth of the course. Includes kinematics, forces and Newton’s laws of motion.

Futures

Studying Mathematics at A-Level equips you with valuable skills that open doors to a wide range of career paths. Whether you’re drawn to finance, technology, engineering, or beyond, the analytical skills you develop will be in high demand—especially when paired with other relevant subjects. However, Mathematics is not just for STEM fields. Its problem-solving power is highly valued in industries like media, law, and advertising as well.

Universities hold Mathematics A-Level in high regard. It’s often a requirement for degrees in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering, and computer science, but it’s also excellent preparation for a variety of other fields, including biology, psychology, and medicine.

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FURTHER MATHEMATICS

Qualification: A-Level
Awarding body: AQA
Prerequisites:  You must also take Mathematics A-Level if you wish to take Further Mathematics. Please also refer to the Entry Requirements page.
Assessment:

• Paper 1 – Compulsory Pure content only – 2 hour long exam, calculator allowed,
• Paper 2 – Compulsory Pure content only – 2 hour long exam, calculator allowed
• Paper 3 – Statistics and Mechanics OR Statistics and Discrete OR Mechanics and Discrete – 2 hour long exam, calculator allowed

Content

Further Mathematics A-Level consists of compulsory content and only two optional selections out of Statistics, Mechanics and Discrete. At Hampstead School, we have opted for Statistics and Mechanics.

• Compulsory pure content - approximately two thirds of the course. Includes complex numbers, matrices, polar coordinates, hyperbolic functions, and differential equations.
• Statistics option - approximately one sixth of the course. Includes discrete and continuous random variables, confidence intervals, and chi squared tests.
• Mechanics option - approximately one sixth of the course. Includes work, energy and power, momentum and collisions, and centres of mass.
• Discrete option – approximately one sixth of the course. Includes networks, game theory, linear programming, and critical path analysis.

Futures

Further Mathematics A-Level offers in-depth knowledge of advanced mathematical concepts, making it an ideal choice for students aiming for careers in science and technology. Many of our Further Mathematics students go on to study degrees in mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science, or other STEM fields. For degrees in mathematics, physics, and engineering, Further Mathematics is often highly recommended or even required.

Recently, we have had Further Mathematics students secure prestigious engineering placements at companies like Airbus UK, which not only funded their university studies but also provided immediate career opportunities. Other students have gone on to study at top universities such as Cambridge, Imperial College, King’s College London, Edinburgh, and Queen Mary University, pursuing courses in mathematics, computer science, and beyond.

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CORE MATHEMATICS

Qualification: One Year Certificate (equivalent to AS Level)
Awarding body: OCR (B)
Prerequisites: refer to the Entry Requirements page
Assessment: 

• Paper 1 – Compulsory content only – 1 hour and 30 minutes exam, calculator allowed
• Paper 2* – Optional content only – 1 hour and 30 minutes exam, calculator allowed

*Students sit Paper 2A (Statistical techniques) OR 2B (Critical path and risk analysis) OR 2C (Graphical techniques)

Content

Core Maths consists of a compulsory paper 1 and one out of three optional selections (Papers 2A, 2B or 2C). At Hampstead School, we have opted to prepare for paper 2A.

• Compulsory content - half of the course. Includes personal finance, estimation and analysis of data and models.
• Statistical techniques option – the other half of the course. Includes the normal distribution, probabilities, correlation and regression.
• Critical path and risk analysis option - the other half of the course. Includes expectation and cost benefit analysis.
• Graphical techniques option – the other half of the course. Includes rates of changes and exponential functions.

Futures

Core Maths opens doors to a wide range of future opportunities by developing your problem-solving, analytical, and quantitative skills. It’s a perfect fit for students pursuing degrees in psychology, geography, business, sports science, social sciences, and natural sciences—especially if A-level Mathematics isn’t required. Plus, many universities accept a pass in Core Maths as an alternative to a higher grade in GCSE Mathematics, making it a valuable asset for your academic and career journey.