Practical and applied exploration of modern economies and commerce
An understanding of business and the economy is a key life-skill in a changing market, in personal financial management, in preparation for further education, and in preparation for citizenship and participation in a democracy.
The Business and Economics Department is unusual in that it is one of only a small number of departments that exist solely for sixth formers. Yet the numbers that opt for one or other of these subjects at A-level suggests that it is one of the most popular in terms of pupil demand.
The department’s overall aim is to expose as many young people as possible to economic principles and business practice.
Department Overview
Business and economics are practical, applied and exciting. Theories are explored and investigated using real examples and pupils’ own experiences. The course embodies all the fundamental areas of the subject. It is designed so that pupils develop an understanding of the relationships which make the economy work. It makes them think about business in a critical manner, examining both the favourable and the unfavourable aspects, using all sources of business information, not merely standard textbooks.
Many degree courses (eg engineering, foreign languages, science) include some business and economics as it is assumed that this will be of assistance to graduates in their future careers. The applied nature of the A-level course makes it a particularly appropriate starting point for these courses.
The department is well-resourced and occupies an enviable location in the new Winn Building. Teachers use the latest technology to bring the subject to life.
“The most valuable of all capital is that invested in human beings”
Beyond the Classroom
The Business and Economics Department welcomes a number of high-profile speakers to share their experiences in industry and markets, thereby enriching and supporting the curriculum. Recent highlights have included visits from the chief operating officer of Betfair; the chief executive of Dubai Airports, the world’s busiest airport; the chief executive of Hastings Insurance; a senior finance executive from BP; an expert in process engineering; and a previous chief financial officer of various major insurance companies. We also take pupils out of the classroom for relevant and enriching trips which have recently included visits to Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Tilbury and a local, environmentally-conscious farm and brewery.
Additionally, pupils take part in national competitions including the IEA Budget Challenge, where they take on the role of Chancellor. In the 2023 competition, one College team reached the national final, presenting to high profile economists at the IEA headquarters in London. In 2021, we were delighted that Year 12 pupil, Maddy Osman, won the storyboard category of the prestigious Bank of England’s School Film Competition. Pupils regularly enter prestigious, national essay competitions, including the Royal Economics Society’s annual competition and, in 2019, the College’s Young Enterprise team Unum came runners up for the Regional Company of the Year.
