Economics

Economics is a social science concerned with exploring the choices that individuals, businesses, governments, and nations make when deciding how to allocate their limited resources.

Through the lens of past and current case studies from local, national and global contexts, you will learn to analyse trends in data and critically assess issues that consumers, workers, business owners and politicians face that affect every-day life. The department offers Edexcel A-Level Economics. Through a combination of microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts and theories you will investigate the role that markets play in meeting the needs and wants of society.

Pupils are taught by expert teachers with a range of academic backgrounds, as well as experience in the financial sector. Members of staff have published articles investigating contemporary issues in Economics. This wealth of academic experience allows the department to produce unique course notes, free of the confines of generic textbooks and online resources used elsewhere. This provides students with up-to-date material, specifically related to the syllabus, but going far beyond the material available commercially. The department offers twice weekly support sessions: students can drop in to the department and members of staff are available to work one-on-one to reinforce understanding, review homework and tests, or to simply support students with their organisation and course notes. Teachers within the department have also worked for a range of examination boards, marking and supporting the creation of papers and mark-schemes.

Beyond the Classroom

Economics Society is open to all boys in the school, with our economics students presenting on economic issues they have independently researched. For those considering a university application relating to the subject we have two reading groups, one purely on economics as well as an interdisciplinary group called ‘A Theory of Justice’.

Our University Challenge programme introduces prospective applicants to undergraduate level topics as a taster for what they may encounter on a degree course. They also receive targeted support for personal statement writing interview preparation and entrance tests such as the TSA required by Oxford. The university preparation provided by the department is not purely Economics focussed, we have a University Challenge for students interested in finance, accounting and business management courses.

Economics is one of the most popular degree courses for our Sixth Form pupils, with many also choosing to combine the subject with another humanity such as Politics or History, or a modern foreign language.

Where it might lead

Those interested in more practical applications of economic principles in the business world often opt to explore Business and Management related courses, some with a more international focus. Many of these courses also allow students to specialise in Finance and Accounting.

These degree courses are highly regarded by employers, with many graduates moving directly into employment with private sector firms working within the financial sector across a range of specialisms such as accounting, investment banking or mergers and acquisitions. Alternatively graduates can seek exciting opportunities working for think tanks, the government, international organisations, NGOs and charities.

Students are also encouraged and supported to enter a range of external essay competitions, including John Locke and Royal Economics Society. In recent years, students have achieved the top prize in a range of the competitions. Those interested in business and finance courses can also take part in the Bayfield Junior Trading competition, competing for the chance to present to the CEO.