Academic: Economics & Business Studies
Updated: Wed 8 May 2013
Economics and Business Studies are interesting and exciting subjects with real world implications. Students have the opportunity to take Economics as an IGCSE option in the Fifth Form, and Economics or Business Studies in the Sixth Form. The Department is well-resourced, with five specialist teachers and three dedicated teaching rooms. Student numbers have increased rapidly in recent years and results are amongst the best in the School.
Aims
We have several key aims as a department: to provide a stimulating environment through which all pupils strive for excellence and maximise their potential as academic students, and as emerging adults in a technological society; to provide an opportunity for all students to develop a keen interest in, and an in-depth understanding of, the subjects, through core lessons and co-curricular opportunities; to encourage independent study, and thought, in preparation for further education; and to inculcate positive values of mutual respect, tolerance and self-esteem, fostering an informed and critical awareness of society.
Syllabus
At IGCSE and A Level, pupils follow the Edexcel syllabus. We use the AQA program for A Level Business Studies. The Department also offers the Economics IB, at both Standard and Higher level.
Teaching Methods
We know that each student learns differently, and we encourage a variety of different teaching methods to make lessons accessible to everyone in the School. This involves interactive teaching, with role-plays and games, as well as more formal lessons based around projects and exam revision. Public exam results in the Department are excellent, and student feedback is very positive about our approach to lessons.
Schemes of Work
Our schemes of work are designed to offer flexibility for teachers to go more in-depth in areas of particular interest to students, and to maximise their exam performance. They are reviewed each year and kept up-to-date with changes in the economy and exam specifications.
Special Achievements
In recent years, there have been a number of very talented students studying Economics and Business Studies at Whitgift, and their achievements speak for themselves: Young Enterprise Croydon Achiever of the Year, in 2011 and 2009; Bank of England Interest Rate Challenge London Finalists, in 2010; and in 2008 and 2012, the Investor Challenge teams placed 6th and 12th, out of a field of over 5500. In 2009, the Department was also awarded the Good Schools Guide for Best Results at GCSE for boys taking Economics at an English School.
Trips
Both Economics and Business Studies can be practical subjects, and educational trips offer students the opportunity for hands-on learning. Over the past year, we have visited Deutsche Bank and the Fuller’s Brewery. Regular trips to the City of London have also been useful for students considering a career in this area.
University Successes
The Department prides itself on the support that we give to students during the university application period. A large number of Whitgift boys go on to study Economics, or Business-related subjects, at university, with a good number gaining offers from Oxford, Cambridge, LSE and other top institutions.
Visiting Speakers
Inspiring an interest in the subject is an important part of education and something that visiting speakers contribute significantly towards. Recent speakers have included: Professor Desai of the London School of Economics; Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist; and Ian Marcouse, Business author and member of the Edexcel Exam Board.