Discover more about Business and Economics

At Key Stage 5, whilst prior knowledge of the subject is not required, students need to have an interest in business and enjoy manipulating and analysing numerical information. The course develops research, numerical and communication skills, giving a broad commercial awareness.

If you have ever wondered why Apple command a premium price for their products or why ASOS only sell their clothes online then this is the vocational course for you.

Business is available from Key Stage 4. Studying a range of real life business scenarios students will look at their impact on decision making and develop an understanding of business concepts, objectives and terminology, gaining an understanding of the impact of internal and external issues and how they affect business operations. Students will explore the purpose and role of a business from identifying a gap in the market through to business planning and delivery. How marketing plays a role in identifying and satisfying customer needs and why a strong human resource management structure plays an important role in supporting a business right the way through the process. Operations and Finance will be key areas of learning, looking at how businesses respond to external market forces, such as ethical and environmental considerations, the economic climate and globalisation.

Offered at Key Stage 5 only, Economics encourages students to analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of government within it. For those with an interest in both domestic and international politics, social, economic and financial issues, Economics gives students an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life.

Students get the chance to attend the prestigious The Political Economy UK Group conferences in London. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear from eight prestigious speakers from the world of economics. Previous speakers have included Politicians, Shadow Chancellors, Economics Editors from national and financial publications, The Office for Budget Responsibility and The Institute for Fiscal Studies.

Students are encouraged to participate in The Student Investor Challenge – the UK’s premier investment competition with over 400,000 students from 2,500 schools taking part. The competition involves teams investing £100,000 virtual money on the London Stock Exchange, ensuring portfolios are kept healthy throughout the ups and downs of the market and judging when to buy and sell with the aim of making a profit. It’s all to play for with some fantastic prizes available to further incentivise this opportunity.