Academic

• Introduction
• GCSE and A Level Choices
• Subjects
  • The Art Department
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    • Course Preparation
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• 2009 Exam Results
• 2008 Exam Results
• 2007 Exam Results
• Leavers' Destinations

Preparation for the course

What will I learn? 

Unit 1: Developing New Business Ideas covers the thinking and activities that entrepreneurs and existing businesses undertake when developing and researching new business ideas.

Unit 2: Business Economics considers the market that a business be operating in, how competition in the market and macro-economic change is likely to affect it and how businesses can seek to minimise uncertainty through their actions.

Unit 3: International Business introduces what businesses need to consider if they were to trade internationally, such as which countries to see their products in, and why some companies see their products worldwide

Unit 4: The Wide Economic Environment and Business considers why certain markets fall, how government decision making effects the economy and markets that companies operate in, and the income and welfare of private individuals.  It should enable you to assess why Government economic policy can succeed or fail.

For further AS syllabus information Click here

For further A2 syllabus information Click here

Recommended Reading

•    Charles Wheelan – Naked Economics – Undressing the Dismal Science

•    Tim Harford – The Undercover Economist

•    John Hearn – AS/A-Level Economics Essential Word Dictionary

•    Christopher Pass et al. – Collins Dictionary of Economics, Collins

The first two books (Naked Economics and The Undercover Economist) provide a good ‘common sense’ introduction to the subject without too much theory. You should acquire either or both of these (preferably Naked Economics first) and read them during the summer – especially if you are new to the subject.
You should also have access to an economics dictionary as precise definitions are key to achieving success in this subject. John Hearn’s dictionary provides a very succinct definition and explanation of almost all the AS/A2 concepts. However, if you want greater depth and more advanced explanations, the Collins Dictionary of Economics will be useful; it will also serve you well on any business or economics degree course you may undertake at a later date.

You will be issued with a course textbook.

Background Reading

You must make a regular effort to read the ‘quality’ news, either in hard copy or online. You are advised to begin with the business and economics pages of The Times or Sunday Times (the Sunday newspapers are excellent at analysing the whole week’s events). Useful websites which provide similar good quality articles include:

•   www.tutor2u.net/economics/geoffs_blog.asp - Geoff Riley is Head of Economics at Eton College. His blog is an excellent source of commentary on economic issues and trends, aimed specifically at AS/A2 students;

• http://news.bbc.co.uk/ - This is BBC Online’s general news homepage. Select ‘Business’ (in the menu on the left hand side) to access business and economics reports;

• www.timesonline.co.uk/uk/ - This is The Times website. Select ‘Business’ (in the menu on the left hand side) to access business and economics reports. You can also access the Sunday Times website on the same menu;

• www.telegraph.co.uk/ - This is the Telegraph newspaper’s website. Again, select ‘Business’ to access the relevant articles;

•   www.economicsuk.com/blog/ - This is the website of David Smith, the economics editor of the Sunday Times and a regular speaker at A Level economics conferences;

•   www.philippelegrain.com/ - Philippe Legraine is a prolific writer on international economics and is former economics adviser to the Director-General of the WTO;

•  www.timharford.com/ - Tim Harford is an economics correspondent for the Financial Times and author of The Undercover Economist. His articles are entertaining as they apply economic theory to every day events in a way that won’t be covered in your textbooks.

Progression

The course provides a solid foundation for studies at higher level in the following subject areas: Business Management, Business Administration, Accountancy & Finance, Human Resource Management, Marketing, Retail Management, Tourism Management and International Business.

The qualification may also lead to a career in the commercial world e.g. Banking, Sales, Product Management, or General Management. Business and Management skills are also desirable in public sector organisations or charities.

This qualification could also enable students to progress on to a straight Economics degree, with a focus on theory or a degree in applied economics such as environmental economics, labour economics, public sector or monetary economics. Alternatively students may study a business economics or mathematical economics degree, or study economics with other subjects e.g. politics, philosophy or history, as a combined degree. Many Economics related degree courses also require A-Level Mathematics. Post university employment rates of economists are among the highest for graduates. They are likely to find employment in Finance, Banking, Insurance, Management and Consultancy. A number also become professional Economists.

Mrs J Gregory-Newman BA (QTS), BSc (Hons)