Edexcel AS and A Level in Economics A - Specification Mapping - Switching to Pearson Edexcel Economics A

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aditya

Specification mapping guide for Edexcel AS and A level Economics A when moving to the 2015 specifications. Explains changes to content and assessment approach, including updated introductory themes in economics, behavioural economics, economic history and thinkers, emerging economies, and financial markets. Covers assessment clarity through fewer command words, skills-based mark schemes, and short-answer question formats, plus guidance on choice in extended open-response questions. Provides mapping from 2008 Pearson Edexcel, AQA, and OCR specifications to the 2015 Edexcel structure, highlighting key comparisons and differences for planning delivery.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Whether to stay or switch to Pearson Edexcel (2015 AS and A level)

Getting Started Guide reference

Changes to content

Retained strengths from 2008

Updated themes and contemporary issues

Changes to assessment

Command words and skill definitions

Skills-based mark schemes

Short-answer questions and extended responses

Mapping to the 2008 specifications

From 2008 Pearson Edexcel

From 2008 AQA

From 2008 OCR

A level Economics A specification maps

Pearson Edexcel AS and A Level in Economics A SPECIFICATION MAPPING Switching to Pearson Edexcel Economics A Contents Introduction 2 Changes to content 2 Changes to assessment 3 Mapping to the 2008 specifications 3 Specification map: from 2008 Pearson Edexcel 4 Specification map: from 2008 AQA 7 Specification map: from 2008 OCR 11 A level Economics A specification maps Introduction Whether you are thinking of staying with or switching to Pearson Edexcel for the 2015 AS and A level Economics A specifications, this document is an easy reference guide to help you identify key comparisons and differences between the specifications . The Getting Started Guide for AS and A level Economics A – available free on the Economics pages of the Edexcel website – includes detailed coverage of the principles behind all the changes and the support available to help you deliver the new courses from 2015 . Changes to content In developing the 2015 specifications we have retained the strengths of the 2008 Economics specifications: ● engaging and relevant content ● development economics ● global focus Changes have been made to the specification content and the assessments to ensure the revised subject content and assessment requirements for economics are met and to bring the specification up-to-date: ● The nature of economics: this introductory content supports students in developing an appreciation of the contribution of economics, developing an ability to think like an economist and understanding that economic behaviour can be considered through a range of perspectives . ● Rational decision making and alternative views of consumer behaviour: this introduction to behavioural economics ensures the specifications include up-to-date and contemporary issues in economics . ● Economic history and economic thinkers: aspects of economic history have been selected and integrated throughout the course to support contextual awareness and inform macroeconomic debate . The content demonstrates how economic events can be interpreted in different ways and how they impact on more recent economic events. The inclusion of reference to economic thinkers supports the understanding that there are different perspectives in economics, with different ways of approaching resource allocation. References to current economic policies and issues, and the requirement to develop an awareness of recent events are outlined in the specification. ● Emerging and developing economies: Theme 4 focuses macroeconomics in the global context, with particular reference to emerging and developing economies. This demonstrates how economic concepts and theories can be applied in different and real world contexts. ● Financial markets: the inclusion of the role of financial markets, the role of banks and market failure in the financial sector equip students with an understanding of this important economic influence. A level Economics A specification maps Changes to assessment Changes have been made to the approach of the AS level and A level assessments to ensure they are clear and consistent, enabling students to understand the skills they are required to demonstrate within assessments: ● A reduction in the variety of command words used, careful definition of the skills that comprise each command word and consistent application of the command words within and across assessments. ● Skills based mark schemes that focus on the qualities students are required to demonstrate in their answers rather than the quantity of points within responses. Clarity of the skills comprising each command word reflects how teachers and examiners describe the qualities of student work, so the expectations are clear for teachers and for markers which limits subjectivity. ● The introduction of short-answer questions comprising multiple choice and short answer elements. These questions focus on knowledge, understanding and application, ensuring questions

FAQs

What is the purpose of the specification mapping guide for Economics A?

It provides an easy reference for identifying key comparisons and differences between the 2008 and 2015 Edexcel Economics A specifications, supporting planning and delivery of the new courses.

Which major changes to content are described for the 2015 specifications?

The guide describes retained strengths from 2008 and updates including behavioural economics themes, economic history and thinkers, emerging and developing economies, and the role of financial markets and banks.

How does the guide say assessment has changed from 2008 to 2015?

It highlights fewer command words, clearer definitions of the skills behind each command word, skills-based mark schemes, short-answer questions with multiple choice and short answer elements, and controlled choice for extended open-response questions.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aditya