Economics, Business and Enterprise
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Head of Department:
Samantha Brooks
Welcome to the Economics, Business and Enterprise Department at Ivybridge Community College. Here, we firmly believe that understanding Economics and Business is essential to navigating and succeeding in the modern world. These subjects play an integral role in our everyday lives, shaping the decisions we make as consumers, workers, businesses, and Governments. Our department is passionate about providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed choices and unlock a wide range of career opportunities.
Our energetic and innovative team is dedicated to delivering engaging lessons that challenge students to think critically about the world around them. We work hard to ensure our students are not only prepared for examinations, but are also equipped with skills they can carry into their futures. Our excellent results reflect the hard work of our students and the tailored support and feedback we provide to help them thrive.
We offer both Economics and Business Studies at A Level and GCSE, with courses that inspire curiosity, develop essential skills, and open doors to a variety of exciting career paths. We also offer GCSE and A Level Equivalent vocational qualifications which suit students who enjoy discovery learning and assessment through both coursework and examination.
Why Study Economics and Business Studies?
Studying Economics and Business Studies will develop key skills, including...
Analytical
|
Communication Skills |
Evaluation
|
Numeracy
|
Problem
|
Logical
|
Presentation
|
Report
|
These transferable skills will prepare you for a wide range of careers, including...
Management Consultancy |
Chartered Accountancy |
Trading |
Teaching |
Advertising |
Retail |
Investment Banking |
Banking Services |
Insurance Underwriting |
Sales Management |
Marketing Executive |
Market Research |
Public
|
Logistics and
|
Both Economics and Business Studies offer a fantastic foundation for success and provide invaluable skills and knowledge that will prepare you for a wide range of future careers. They are essential subjects for anyone looking to enter the world of...
Business |
Finance |
Government |
International Relations |
Our department is committed to helping you not only succeed in your examinations but also develop a deep understanding of how the world works.
Whether you're interested in running your own business, becoming an economist, or working in a global company, the skills and insights gained from studying these subjects will equip you for success.
Key Stage Four
OCR GCSE Business Studies
The OCR GCSE Business Studies course introduces students to the world of Business and provides a foundational understanding of how businesses operate. Students will learn about various business functions and how different factors - such as competition, customer needs, and government policies - impact businesses. Through the course, you’ll develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and analysis, all of which are essential for the modern business environment.
Key Topics Include...
Business Ownership and Structure |
Finance and Budgeting |
| Understand how businesses are organised, including different forms of ownership (e.g., sole traders, partnerships, corporations) |
Develop a solid understanding of business finance, including budgeting and cash flow management. |
External Influences |
| Study the effect of economic, social, and legal factors on businesses. |
This qualification is an excellent foundation for students looking to pursue business-related careers or further study at A Level.
OCR GCSE Economics
The OCR GCSE Economics qualification gives students a deep understanding of how Economies work. Focusing on both Microeconomics (individual markets, businesses, and consumers) and Macroeconomics (national and global economies), this course explores key economic issues such as inflation, unemployment, and government policy.
Key Areas of Study...
Introduction to Economics |
Global Economics |
| Learn the basic principles of economics and how economic systems operate. |
Understand how international trade, exchange rates, and global issues impact economies. |
Microeconomics |
Macroeconomics |
| Study individual market functions, supply and demand, and business behaviour | Examine broader economic issues such as national income, economic growth, and fiscal policy. |
This qualification provides a thorough understanding of the economic environment and prepares students for future careers in economics, finance, business, and public policy.
BTEC Enterprise
The BTEC Enterprise qualification is a vocational course designed for students interested in exploring the world of Business and Entrepreneurship. The course focuses on developing entrepreneurial skills, from planning and presenting a business idea to managing marketing and finance for a small enterprise.
Key Topics Include...
Exploring
|
Planning and Presenting
|
| Learn about the key components of starting and running a business, from identifying business opportunities to understanding the risks involved. |
Develop your own business idea, plan its structure, and present it to others. |
Marketing for Enterprise |
Finance for Enterprise |
| Understand how to market a product or service effectively, from creating a brand to reaching potential customers. |
Gain insight into how businesses manage finances, including budgeting, funding, and managing cash flow. |
This qualification is perfect for students interested in becoming entrepreneurs or working in small businesses. It combines practical skills with theoretical knowledge, preparing you for the challenges of the business world.
Key Stage Five
Economics at A Level
Economics is concerned with the decisions made by individuals, businesses, to think logically and use theories to understand real-world problems.
In this course, you will study...
Microeconomics and Macroeconomics |
Globalisation, Inflation, Unemployment, Pollution, and Poverty |
The impact of Government Policies on the economy |
Supply and Demand, Exchange Rates, Interest Rates |
The challenges of steering an economy in the right direction |
Economics touches everything we do—whether it's understanding why the government imposes a tax on sugar or the consequences of the 2008 global financial crisis.
Key topics include...
‘Why have the Government imposed a tax on sugar?’ |
‘The value of the pound plummets against the Euro –
|
‘Bank of England slashes
|
We follow the Edexcel A Level Economics A specification.
Business Studies at A Level
The Business Studies A Level explores how businesses operate and examines the work of key business departments, including...
Marketing |
Finance |
Human Resources |
Production |
You will study the effects of external factors such as government policy, competition, and ethical considerations on businesses, and how businesses respond to these challenges.
Key topics include...
Marketing Strategies
|
Pricing Decisions
|
Location |
Mergers and Acquisitions |
Leadership
|
Business Cash Flow
|
The course provides insight into the decisions businesses must make in a modern, competitive world, including the implications of Globalisation.
We follow the Edexcel A Level Business Studies specification.
AQA Applied General Business (Vocational Qualification)
60% Coursework
The AQA Applied General Business qualification is a vocational course designed for students who want to develop practical business skills and apply their learning in real-world contexts. This qualification is made up of 60% coursework, meaning that much of your assessment will come from the work you complete during the course. The coursework allows you to explore business problems and scenarios, providing a hands-on approach to business learning.
Key Areas of Study...
Understanding Business |
Business Decisions |
| Explore the core functions of business such as marketing, finance, and human resources |
Investigate how businesses make decisions in response to internal and external challenges. |
Business Planning |
| Develop skills to create and present business plans and strategies. |
This qualification is ideal for students looking to gain practical business experience, and it supports progression into further education or employment in business-related fields.