Economics and Business Studies are taught only at Sixth Form level, with approximately 40% of the Sixth Form electing to study one of these subjects. The study of Economics and Business Studies allows pupils to explore issues of historic and contemporary relevance, and it is important to us that they leave school with the ability to understand concepts that were previously foreign to them. However, we want pupils to go beyond a passive acceptance or understanding of ‘the facts’. It is vital that they grapple with the subtleties, complexities and value judgments implicit in Economics and Business Studies, so we seek to foster a spirit of inquiry that gives pupils the capacity to make critical judgments.
It goes without saying that we want to do the best that we can for every single pupil that we teach so that they may achieve an A-level grade that is a fair representation of their ability. We therefore seek to provide a structure that allows pupils of different academic abilities to realise their potential. For those pupils wishing to stretch themselves, there are also ample opportunities to engage in further study or enter a variety of national competitions. The departmental culture allows for a happy, relaxed and yet purposeful working ethos to be created within which pupils are encouraged to express their thoughts and views.
We also believe that it is extremely important for pupils to apply the theoretical principles learned in class to the 'real world' in order to make courses both relevant and interesting. Through the school’s ‘Virtual Learning Environment’ pupils have access to data, video, newswires and web links. Speakers from either business or academia address the school’s Economics Society once a term and the department also organises a large number of day trips to places such as Lloyds of London, the Bank of England, the London Metal Exchange, BMW Mini, Coca Cola, Jaguar Cars and Chelsea Football Club. Once a year a foreign trip is also organized with recent examples being Poland, New York and Dubai. It is hoped that all of these activities will help bridge the gap between theory and reality.
Further Information
Further information about the economics department curriculum can be found in the curriculum documents available for download on the main curriculum page.