• Preparing our students for the world of work: With a detailed insight into the inner workings of organisations

• To be aware of the external world: Through up to date case studies, topical current affairs articles on both business and the economy, we encourage and equip our students to be more attuned to the external environment and encourage curiosity.

• Enhancing information literacy and research techniques: We equip students with the skills of research and data gathering by supporting students in research techniques to gain a clearer understanding of current data that is both impartial and balanced.

• Encouraging lifelong learning and curiosity: As a department, we instil a passion for reading around both our Business and Economics subjects, linking the theory and concepts taught in the classroom to real world contexts.

• Promoting analytical and evaluative thinking: Encourage analytical skills through the examination of texts and resources, fostering a deeper understanding of content.

• Improving collaboration and communication: Through debate and discussion, analytical thinking and evaluation will be encouraged at every opportunity, skills that every employer look for in young talent.

Economics

Business Studies

To ensure continued progress we incorporate a wide range of ongoing formative and summative assessments at both KS4 and KS5 which follow the department’s assessment and feedback policy.

Being fully examined subjects at both GCSE and A-Level - Business Studies and Economics at KS4 and KS5 follow the same format which builds progress through a range of formative milestone assessments - checking for understanding at every stage and in every unit taught. This foundations of knowledge is regularly assessed through the use of low stakes Teams Tests and UpLearn tests (Economics), followed by formal milestones. Once the understanding of concepts are firmly established and exam technique is taught, the student’s knowledge and exam skills are applied and perfected through regular practice of past papers via home learning tasks, in the classroom and through formal trials.

Every retrieval test, Milestone and trial is placed strategically throughout the course not only to check for ongoing understanding but to build confidence and to stretch and challenge every student to achieve their true potential.

GCSE Business Studies Exam Board: Edexcel

GCSE Economics Exam Board: OCR

A-Level Business Studies Exam Board: AQA

A-Level Economics (A) Exam Board: Edexcel

A wide range of home learning tasks are conducted every week at GCSE and A-Level - ranging from Disciplinary literacy booklets to improve Tier 3 subject specific vocabulary, teams quizzes, Seneca online learning, retrieval knowledge booklets, dedicated home learning booklets that support and develop exam technique in each topic area covered. In addition to this, regular research tasks which focus on business related issues help to contextualise the knowledge and theory taught within the classroom.

A-Level Economics have a dedicated learning platform (UpLearn) which develops students understanding of more challenging concepts through videos, ongoing low stake self-check questions, quizzes and exam questions. Within the platform both staff and students can monitor their own progress and demonstrate excellent knowledge through an XP scoring system which celebrates students continued progress and success when revisiting older topics, thereby developing their long-term memory through continued retrieval quizzes.

Students have opportunities to contextualise the theory learnt in the classroom - through continued updating of lessons that incorporate new developments within the business and economic world, an expectation that students read around the subject via ‘Biz That Story’ activities.

More formally, and as part of the concept of Culture Capital, GCSE students have the opportunity to visit Yorkshire Wildlife park including workshops and background research on this tourist attraction, Premier Foods to see operations in action, The Bank of England offer webinars and ambassadors to speak to Economic students on the role of the Bank of England and Economics in practice. Next Distribution gives A-Level business students a hands on approach to Supply chain management and logistics - all of which gives students insights into various career opportunities and gives the course a real relevance. With the majority of our cohorts going on to study Business or Economics degrees and professional apprenticeships in the world of business and finance, these experiences give them a better understanding of the business world.

From Studying Business Studies: Management Consultant • Operations Manager • Product Manager • Accountant (Chartered or Management) • Financial Analyst • Investment Banker • Credit Analyst • Tax Advisor • Payroll Specialist • Advertising & Sales • Marketing Executive • Digital Marketing Specialist • Brand Manager • Sales Representative/Manager • Public Relations (PR) Officer • Social Media Manager • Market Research Analyst • Entrepreneurship & Startups • Franchise Owner • E-commerce Business Owner • HR Officer • Recruitment Consultant • Training & Development Manager • Supply Chain Analyst • Logistics Manager • Import/Export Coordinator • Buyer • International Trade Specialist

From Studying Economics: Economist • Financial Analyst • Data Analyst • Investment Banker • Actuary • Policy Advisor • Economic Consultant • Accountant • Auditor • Statistician • Market Research Analyst • Risk Analyst • Banking Associate • Management Consultant • Public Sector Economist • International Trade Specialist • Business Analyst • Researcher (Think Tank) • Financial Planner • Tax Advisor • Civil Servant • Professor/Lecturer • Portfolio Manager • Environmental Economist • Corporate Strategy Analyst