Economics & Business Studies
ECONOMICS
The aim of Economics is to understand how society allocates its scarce resources. Pupils explore the behaviour of firms, the role of government, and the way choices affect living standards and economic performance. Whether it is debates about managing the UK’s ageing population, the global transition to net zero, or the impact of AI on productivity, Economics provides a framework for understanding the world around us. An interest in current affairs and global trends is essential.
A Level Economics
We follow the two-year Edexcel Economics (A) course, which covers:
- Markets and market failure (microeconomics)
- The UK economy (macroeconomics)
- Business behaviour and the labour market (microeconomics)
- A global perspective (macroeconomics)
Entry Requirements
Level 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English
Beyond The Classroom
Pupils are encouraged to participate in national essay competitions run by institutions such as the LSE and the Royal Economic Society, providing an opportunity to showcase their ideas on current economic debates. Subscriptions to The Economist or the Financial Times are available through the school, giving pupils access to high-quality analysis of global issues. We aim to invite guest speakers from fields such as banking, consultancy, government and entrepreneurship. These talks help pupils understand how the theories studied in the classroom apply in practice and provide inspiration for future careers.
Career Opportunities
Economics remains one of the most versatile subjects for higher education, combining analytical, numerical and evaluative skills. It provides a pathway to careers in finance, government, consultancy, law, journalism, and data science, while also supporting degrees in PPE, Geography and History. As a social science, it bridges the arts/science divide and complements almost all other A Level subjects.
BUSINESS
Business examines how organisations are created, managed and grown in a rapidly changing world. Pupils study decision-making in marketing, finance, operations and human resources, alongside the external challenges posed by globalisation, sustainability and technological disruption. Real-world case studies bring theory to life, from the rise of AI-driven firms to the shift towards ethical and sustainable business practices.
A Level Business
We offer the two-year Edexcel A Level Business course, which is structured around four key themes:
- Marketing and people
- Managing business activities
- Business decisions and strategy
- Global business
Assessment is through three written exam papers, testing knowledge, application, analysis and evaluation in both structured and essay-style questions.
Entry Requirements
Level 6 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English
Beyond the Classroom
Pupils are encouraged to take part in enterprise activities and national business competitions. Guest speakers from technology, finance and sustainability sectors provide insight into the realities of modern business. Pupils can also gain practical experience through company visits and internships.
Career Opportunities
Business is one of the most popular subjects at university and provides an excellent foundation for careers in management, marketing, finance, law, human resources, entrepreneurship and consultancy. It develops transferable skills in leadership, problem-solving and strategic thinking that are highly valued in today’s competitive job market.
BTEC National Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (Level 3)
The BTEC is a two-year vocational course with a strong focus on applied learning. It covers:
- Enterprise and entrepreneurs
- Developing a marketing campaign
- Personal and business finance
- Launch and run a social enterprise
Year 1 develops understanding of entrepreneurship through coursework and includes the externally assessed Developing a Marketing Campaign unit. Pupils build skills in ICT, research and communication while working with real businesses.
Year 2 focuses on launching and running an enterprise through a major coursework project, alongside preparation for the externally assessed Personal and Business Finance exam. Pupils also evaluate their own and their peers’ performance throughout.
Assessment
Assessment is through a combination of internally assessed coursework and externally assessed units. Pupils complete written assignments, presentations and projects, alongside Edexcel-set assessments including a finance exam and a controlled task on marketing. This structure allows pupils to demonstrate skills continuously while also preparing for formal assessments.
Entry Requirements
Level 5 or above in GCSE Mathematics and English
Beyond The Classroom
Pupils participate in enterprise activities, including designing and running their own small-scale enterprise. Visits to innovative firms and manufacturing facilities are organised, and pupils are encouraged to gain work experience or internships in business settings.
Career Opportunities
Enterprise and entrepreneurship are central to the UK’s economic growth strategy in 2025, with strong demand for skills in innovation, digital business and sustainability. This qualification equips pupils to start their own venture or to contribute creatively to organisations in any sector. It is widely recognised by UK universities as a route to higher education.
SARAH ANTILL
Head of Economics and Business Studies
santill@downside.co.uk