Economics and Business Studies
“Learning to make money a good servant not a bad master”
The department offers economics and business studies at AS and A Level, and students may choose either as part of their portfolio of subjects. Specialist teachers are responsible for teaching both subjects.
Today economics and business studies are big news, with regular media coverage. We aim to give our students the knowledge and skills to understand the working of the economy and business organisations and have fun doing it!. The department also organises and runs the Young Enterprise Company Programme where students set up and operate their own companies.
Aims of Business Studies
- To develop a critical understanding of organisations, the context in which they operate, the markets they serve and the process of adding value.
- To develop key skills through an investigative, problem solving approach, which requires analysis and evaluation of business scenarios.
Aims of Economics
- To develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life.
- To encourage students to apply economic concepts and theories in a range of contexts and to appreciate their value and limitations in explaining real-world phenomena.
2009 Results
In economics we enjoyed a 100% pass rate at A level and AS level with all pupils achieving grades A or B. In business studies we have had a 100% pass rate in every year the subject has been taught – in 2009 100% of students achieved a grade A or B at A level.
Young Enterprise
Every year, the economics and business studies department runs the Young Enterprise Company Programme, in which students have the opportunity to set up and operate their own limited company. This venture is open to all the students in Year 12 and provides experience in running a business as well as teaching valuable team-building skills. Students are encouraged to sit the OCR Young Enterprise examination and thereby gain a formal qualification in enterprise.
In 2009, our company Belle enjoyed success in the Chester area:
Chester Area Trade Fair
Best Trade Stand
Chester Area Board Finals
Best Trade Stand
In the 2009 OCR Young Enterprise examination, our students achieved 6 distinctions, 7 credits and 6 passes.
MD of the 2008 Young Enterprise company, PolkaDot, at the Chester Area Board Finals
Students attending the "Opening Doors: Women into Business and Finance" Conference 2009
Dedicated directors of Belle on a cold winter’s Saturday, at the Chester Area Trade Fair, Warrington
Matchstick gardens – part of the 2009 Belle product range
