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Economics and Business Studies
Head of Department: Mrs M Lincoln
Mr H Taylor
Sixth Form
The department offers two AS and Advanced level courses to Sixth Formers: Economics and Business Studies
Economics
'Stimulating, challenging and vital to understanding today's society' is how Economics is sometimes described. Economics is a social science involving the study of how society tackles the age-old problem of infinite demands and limited resources. Every individual would like a better car and all governments would like to spend more on health and education. In reality this cannot happen. As a result, everyone in society has to choose how best to allocate resources most efficiently. Economics A level may be challenging and enjoyable but it also helps you to understand important current issues, such as the impact of the Euro, and encourages you to think independently in a rational and methodical way. It also enables you to understand how countries thrive and prosper as well as to form reasoned views about the way the global economy works. At the core of the course is a consideration of macroeconomic and microeconomic theories linked to real world applications. In the microeconomic area of the course, we investigate the demand and supply model applied to areas such as healthcare, education, transport and environmental pollution problems. An analysis of market structures is likely to include a study of cartels, monopolies and the effects of competition. The macroeconomic part of the course links theory to political practice by examining the issues of unemployment, inflation, growth and international trade.
Assessment
Candidates are entered for the Edexcel modular syllabus with six modules being taken during the two-year course. The examinations are a mixture of supported multiple choice questions, data response questions and essay style questions. Teaching is geared towards honing the skills necessary effectively to demonstrate understanding under timed conditions.
The Student
Economics is a theoretical and academically challenging course. Candidates need a sound mathematical background and an interest in current affairs. Good written English is essential as essay writing is an important part of Economics.
A level Combinations and Careers
Economics complements a wide range of other subjects in both Arts and Sciences, for example Mathematics, Science, History, Politics, Psychology, Geography, Languages and Design Technology. Economics is an accepted qualification for almost all university courses. Some Higher Education courses such as Accountancy, Business Studies, Finance and Management have an economic element and students who have studied the A level will be at an advantage. Industry is increasingly looking for scientists and engineers with economic understanding. Whystudyeconomics.ac.uk is a useful website to find out more.
Business Studies
Business Studies is an academically challenging but enjoyable A level which draws ideas, concepts and numerical techniques from a range of disciplines. It develops the skills of problem solving and decision making within the context of the business environment as well as relying on the traditional academic skills of research, analysis and evaluation of material. The course is practical and relates where possible to UK firms and other national and international organisations, so it is a very up-to-date course relevant to business today and to almost every career. Business Studies A level covers a wide range of topics including marketing, accounting and finance, production management, motivating and organising people, the external influences (for example, the government and the EU) on firms, as well as business objectives and strategy. This is studied using case studies of firms such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Virgin and Shell.
Assessment
Candidates are entered for the AQA modular syllabus with six modules being taken during the two-year course. The examinations are a mixture of data response questions, case studies, pre-released case studies, reports and essays. Teaching is geared towards practising the skills necessary effectively to demonstrate applied understanding under timed conditions.
The Student
Any girl taking Business Studies should have a genuine interest in how businesses operate, have sound numeracy skills and the capacity for good written English, as essay writing is an important part of Business Studies. She must be able to work to deadlines and be aware of current affairs.
A Level Combinations and Careers
Business Studies complements a wide range of other subjects in both Arts and Sciences, for example Mathematics, Science, History, Psychology, Geography, Languages and Design Technology. Business Studies is a popular A level subject. It is an accepted qualification for almost all university courses. The course is relevant to girls who intend to study a business or management degree at University and to girls who wish to have a general understanding of how firms, ranging from partnerships to multinationals, operate. It is a very relevant subject for it gives an insight into business and is useful for almost every career. 25% of Dame Alice Harpur School girls who went on to study university degrees chose degrees with a business element last year.