WHAT WE DO
We follow the A Level AQA courses for both Business and Economics.
Economics involves an appreciation of the entire economic environment, with a focus on consumers, firms, workers and government. The ‘Economic Problem’ is essentially one of scarcity, and this can, for example, help us explain the need for rising rail fares, eye watering Premiership footballing salaries, and fluctuating oil prices. The new A Level course will include a great deal on the fascinating area of ‘Behavioural Economics’ including the currently fashionable ‘nudge theory’.
Business naturally focuses more on how business organisations are run. The key areas include Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, the External Environment and Operations. The early parts of the course now look more closely at smaller companies and start up, and towards the end of the course we consider ‘the bigger picture’ in terms of business objectives and long term corporate strategy.
Both subjects are very interesting, incredibly topical and allow students to engage in real debate. We like to take students to relevant conferences and on local visits (see above) and make increasing use of visiting speakers who can share their expertise. In recent years we have welcomed guests from Chiltern Railways, Expedia and JLR. Upper Sixth Economists recently attended a conference run by the Institute of Economic Affairs in Solihull. In 2016 Business students enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of the Ricoh Arena, home of the Wasps RFC and a presentation by their Finance Director.
Over the last eleven years, Year 12s across the school have taken part in the Young Enterprise Scheme, forming companies to learn the practical aspects (and pitfalls) of running a business. The modest profit made is perhaps secondary to the learning gained, and the need for teamwork. The 2014/15 company ‘ Retro’ was our most successful to date, ‘up-cycling’ old vinyl records into clocks and bowls. The company claimed four out of the five awards at the Coventry Area final. The 2017 company New Wave impressed many with their customised bracelets at the school Christmas Fayre.
The school also enters several teams for the IFS Share dealing competition.
