A Level economics is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding and fulfilling subjects you can take on during your school years. It opens up a world of opportunity for further education at the A Level, university, and onwards, and it is a great subject to help open your eyes to the world around you.
However, it’s also one of the most demanding and challenging subjects you’ll study, especially if you have no prior background or history. These A Level economics study tips are bound to help you and get you on the track to secure an A* in your final exam:
Be clear in your goals and objectives at our online school in the UK
One of the most important things to start off studying economics, or any subject, whether it’s for your A Levels or otherwise, is to have clear goals and objectives. Your goals need to be realistic, attainable, measurable, and factor in different aspects, such as your current grasp and mastery of the subject, how much time you have, and more.
They can include getting an A* or improving your overall performance, or really anything else you set your mind to.
It’s important to give yourself grace and factor in a margin of error. It’s not possible to make the jump from a failing grade to an A* overnight, but you can get there if you have sufficient time, an actionable plan, and the right A Level economics study tips.
Understand the structure of the syllabus
Before you actually start studying, take a look at the complete structure of the syllabus. See how different topics and portions are divided thematically, what order they follow, and what each paper comprises. This will allow you to break down complex, varied, and vast information into more digestible bits and sections and help you devise a game plan.
Knowing the syllabus will help you understand the subject matter in addition to preparing you for testing and examination and provide you insight into the assessment process itself. As you already know, A Level economics is divided into two segments, AS and A Level, and typically taken a year or exam cycle apart. Some students may also choose to take the complete subject in one go as an accelerated exam, registering for all four papers in the same cycle.
No matter what your choice and decision, however, you need to have a clear understanding of the complete structure before you come up with a study plan and direction for yourself.
Familiarise yourself with the different resources
Moving on, you need to familiarise yourself with different resources available to you apart from the syllabus. Look at different official textbooks, resource manuals, educational videos, guides, and Learner’s Guides that walk you through the exam too.
These resources help you prepare for the many expectations held of you and what you need to do in order to score well and get higher grades overall. You will also learn what assessment criteria they follow, how your papers are graded, what weightage each paper holds, how questions are structured and many other details. The complexity of the grading and assessment structure is precisely what makes this subject one of the most challenging options, but it’s also something you can perform well in.
A Level economics tests your technical knowledge, puts your social science skills to the test, and explores your analytical capabilities in a single subject. It’s one of the most well-rounded subjects that truly puts you outside your comfort zone, and the more prepared you are, the better.
Take practice exams routinely to see where you stand
One of the best ways to see where you currently stand and how you’re performing is to take a practice exam. Try taking a full-length exam for each part you plan to register for, simulating examination conditions and times, and get an idea of what your current grade is.
This is one of the most effective A Level economics study tips in the long run, given that it allows you to get a fair and accurate picture of your performance, where you need to get to and evaluate where your weaknesses lie. Some students might struggle with multiple-choice questions; others may have a hard time writing essays during the exam or performing calculations. It varies from person to person, and you need to get a fair, objective idea of what you need to work on the most. Luckily, you can easily access all kinds of past papers through different websites or even request your teachers at Cambridge Home School Online to share testing resources.
Read the examiner’s reports to see what they expect
In addition to solving past papers and checking answer keys afterwards, you should be reviewing examiners’ reports too. Examiners often compile and generate detailed breakdowns of what they look for, how they grade and evaluate answers and their general criteria and expectations of students.
This is one of the most effective ways to get inside their mind and understand what you need to bring to the table to score well. Examiners’ reports are also typically available online, and it’s more than likely that your A Level economics teachers at our British online school will share them with you too.
Attend all your lessons at our online school in the UK
There’s not much to understand about this A Level economics study tip, but don’t skip lessons and classes at our online school in the UK! It’s easy to believe that you can study independently and without the support of teachers and instructors, but it’s not all that simple.
Teachers at our school hold some of the highest educational qualifications, including MA/MSc/PhD degrees, alongside years of experience which teaches them what to anticipate, expect, and impart to you. They provide unique insights, make the subject matter more interesting and digestible, and give you a lot to think about beyond the textbook. Most of all, though, they will be breaking down tough, complex concepts and providing you with key skills needed to secure an A*.
Take detailed notes during all lessons and seminars
This is not just an A Level economics study tip but applies to all your classes and courses: start taking notes.
You need to make notes during all your lectures and seminars to truly grasp and absorb the concepts you learn. Note-taking is a skill and an art, and it’s one of the best ways to personalise content for yourself.
Taking notes not only adapts large volumes of information into a form you understand but also simplifies it through familiar language and style. It’s a double-learning process that helps you absorb what you’re learning two-fold as you listen, process, write, and then review it. The information stays with you for longer and more thoroughly this way, and not only are you retaining it better, you understand it more thoroughly each time you go over your notes.
Learn to identify command words in questions
A bonus A Level economics study tip, in addition to solving practice questions and reviewing reports, is that you should learn how to identify command words. A Level economics tests your analytical skills, and many of the words they use in questions serve very specific purposes, so look out for words such as ‘Describe,’ ‘Define,’ and ‘Analyse’ to see what the question asks of you.
Your answers will depend on the command word, and in many cases, you will be expected to provide your own input too.
Make a detailed timetable for all your A Level subjects
If you haven’t already, you need to make a detailed timetable for all your A Level subjects and study times. Economics is one of the most demanding subjects you can take, requiring additional focus, practice, revision, and testing outside the classroom.
Build a schedule around your lesson timings and classes, and choose a distraction-free study zone where you can focus on your work. A clearly defined, well-planned schedule helps you direct and plan your week more efficiently, allowing you to set clear goals and timelines along the way as well.
For instance, you can designate a few hours each day to study and practice economics questions and increase those hours as you get closer to your exams or as you tick off goals from your list.
Ask teachers and instructors for help with concepts
The talented teachers at our online school in the UK are here to help you with your education and nudge you onto the path of success. You should not hesitate to ask them for help with different concepts, even if they’ve already covered them in class.
Everyone learns at their own pace, and one of the best A Level economics study tips to remember is that if you’re stuck in a particular place and require more expert insight, there’s no one better than your own teacher. Email them with your problems, or ask them questions in class, and they’ll be happy to break things down for you.
A Level economics is one of the toughest subjects out there, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. We’re all committed to your growth and want to see you thrive!
Trust that you have the skills to do what this takes
While this isn’t exactly a study tip for A Level economics, remember that self-belief and self-confidence are essential to your success in this subject and the rest. You need to truly and earnestly believe that you have the skills and talent to secure an excellent grade, be it an A* or otherwise.
Remember that you are talented, intelligent, and hardworking, and you’ll find yourself working to fulfil those beliefs through your studies. Positive self-talk is one of the most valuable tools for students today and should be a habit that you build for long-term use.
If you’re struggling with self-doubt, or feel discouraged, reach out to the counsellors and teachers at our online school in Cambridge for help.
Get on the Path to Success with Teachers at Cambridge Home School Online
As one of the leading British online schools, our goal isn’t to just ensure students get excellent grades, but that they’re set up for success in the long run. Our students, no matter what grade level they’re at, ranging from primary prep school to A Levels and Sixth Form, have access to the best learning experience possible.
Cambridge Home School Online’s talented teachers not only help students develop various skills in different areas of their academic life. The goal is to provide students from across the UK, Europe, Central Asia, South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with top-quality education and help them perform well in their A Levels and A Levels too.
Through individual attention, small classroom sizes, and personalised study plans, we also routinely share advice such as A Level Economics study tips through our blogs and other mediums.
Our online British school is committed to providing students with whatever they need to achieve their academic goals and professional development.
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With incredibly talented and highly-educated faculty members that hold MA/MSc/PhD degrees, our team ensures that the classroom is a productive space. Students have the help and advice they need in order to excel in their exams and coursework. We want to produce well-rounded candidates who are confident, passionate, and talented.
Students that graduate from our British online school enrol in some of the leading universities, get incredible jobs and improve their professional and personal lives.
You can learn more about our educational programs, or ask us any questions about classes or other details at Cambridge Home School Online by contacting our team.
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FAQ
How can I set realistic academic goals for A Level economics at an online school?
Setting realistic academic goals involves considering your current understanding of the subject, available study time, and long-term academic targets, such as achieving specific grades or enhancing overall subject comprehension.
Why is understanding the syllabus structure crucial for A Level economics success?
Understanding the syllabus structure is essential because it enables you to break down the subject into manageable sections, plan your study effectively, and align your preparation with the assessment requirements.
How can practice exams benefit my A Level economics preparation?
Practice exams are an effective way to gauge your current understanding, identify areas for improvement, and familiarize yourself with the exam format and time constraints, thus aiding in better preparation.
What are the advantages of reviewing examiners’ reports for A Level economics?
Reviewing examiners’ reports provides insight into the grading process, clarifies examiner expectations, and highlights common student errors, guiding you towards more focused and effective study strategies.
How can I maximise my learning during online A Level economics lessons?
Maximising learning during online lessons can be achieved by attending all classes, engaging actively with the material, taking detailed notes, and seeking clarification on difficult concepts from qualified teachers.
