Business and Economics

Department Ethos

In addition to high levels of academic achievement, the Department offers an enriching and engaging learning experience. The Business department consists of three experienced, specialist teachers who deliver the business curriculum. This department offers students an innovative and interactive approach to the operations of the business environment and the economy. The department seeks to attain academic excellence for all its students through the provision of a challenging curriculum. We seek to in still thorough understanding of theory and practice through relevant teaching strategies and through industrial links ranging from business guest speakers to arranging relevant educational visits.

KS4

GCSE Business Studies (Edexcel) (75% externally assessed, 25% controlled assessment)

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/business-2009.html

KS5

Business Studies (AQA)

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects/as-and-a-level/applied-business-8610
An A Level in Business will suit anyone who is interested in the business world; who wants to know how to get started in industry, and how to run and work within a successful business. A business qualification can open the door to literally hundreds of careers – too many to list here! Whatever route you choose to follow throughout your career, your business qualification will provide relevant knowledge whether it’s marketing, management, customer services or accounting.

CTEC Business Level 3 Extended Diploma (12 units, 100% coursework)

http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-nationals/business-2010.html
At St Michael’s we offer the two year programme – BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business which is equivalent to three A Levels. The exact course content is tailored to the various interests and strengths of the student. In addition to the course curriculum, BTEC student receive a range lessons to support their qualification. In the past these have included sessions on Marketing, Economics, IT and the Human Resources. Students will be expected to complete a portfolio of 18 units.

Economics A-Level – Edexcel

One of the great things about studying Economics is that students learn about real life, bang up to the minute Economic issues, such as the ‘credit crunch,’ property bubble and recession. They are expected to understand and keep up to date with the changing economic situation by reading newspaper articles and using relevant websites, such as government statistical web pages. Studying Economics should be about being interested and informed about the economy and everything we study is placed in the wider, real life context. There are regular classroom discussions, which encourage students to verbalise their knowledge and opinions. In addition, classes have an exam focus so that students continually, and from very early on, get exam question practice.

Study Clubs/Trips
KS4 groups will take part in visits to the coca cola factory to get first-hand experience of production methods in established multinational businesses. BTEC groups enjoy a wide range of visits and talks aimed at making the course more accessible. BTEC at KS5 enjoy visits to Thorpe park to investigate the recruitment and selection at the visitor attraction.

Teachers are available to help students after school on most days, on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s students can join a business studies clinic to improve their work.