Academic Overview
A Leys Education is one which is built firmly on three main foundations; Academic, Pastoral and Wider Curriculum.
More information- Ms Liubov Kamynina – Head of Economics and Business
- Ms Elin Egger
- Mrs Sarah Totton
- Ms Nicole Tweed
Business and Economics
The Business and Economics department is situated in the Kelvin Building. Both subjects are taught exclusively in the Sixth Form and are extremely popular.
A LEVEL ECONOMICS (AQA)
Economics has been called the Science of Choice; choice for the individual about what to buy or what job to do, choice for the firm about what to sell and what price to set, choice for government about how to raise money and whether to spend on another hospital or more teachers. Economics is about how to analyse the consequences of different options. It is also about understanding and explaining economic events. What is meant by cost-of-living crisis? Why did we have the credit crunch? How did Brexit affect the UK economy?
The emphasis is on the ability to apply knowledge and critical understanding of economic theory and principles to familiar and unfamiliar situations. Candidates will be expected to analyse economic problems and issues, and evaluate arguments and evidence, often from newspapers or magazines such as the Economist, the Telegraph, etc.
Overall, Economics teaches a variety of skills, including, most importantly, how to think, within the context of current affairs material.
Course Structure
The course contains three modules, which are: Markets and Market failure, the National and International Economy, and Economic Principles and Issues. The assessment is through data response and essay questions, although there are some multiple-choice questions in Paper 3. Paper 3 also has an extended writing section based on an unseen case study. There is no coursework in this subject.
See here for a full list of units covered.
A LEVEL BUSINESS (AQA)
The relevancy of understanding the world around us, the impact of economic trends, changing consumer tastes and technological improvements, the need for strong financial planning and management decisions, has perhaps never been so meaningful.
As students undertake this course they will benefit not only from a deep and broad understanding of current economic, political, social and environmental issues, but also have the opportunity to build skills that will help set them up for whichever career path they choose to take.
Students studying Business are expected to develop into critical thinkers who are able to analyse specific business contexts and form balanced judgements. With opportunities for teamwork, delivering presentations, independent learning and peer collaboration built into the course, students benefit from gaining experience that allows them to be effective learners for life.
Course Structure
The course is structured in ten units, five of which are covered in Lower Sixth and five in Upper Sixth. For a full list of units covered please see here.
The course is examined through three modules. Examinations are assessed using data response (case study) questions, essay questions and multiple choice questions. Assessment will be more heavily weighted towards knowledge, understanding and application in modules 1 and 2, and towards analysis and evaluation in module 3.
Staff