Business Studies and Economics

Business Studies and Economics are very popular subjects both at GCSE and A Level.

At (I)GCSE level we run two courses at DESC. These are GCSE Business Studies (AQA) and IGCSE Economics (CIE). 

GCSE Business Studies introduces students to key concepts and ideas used in business. These include Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management and Operations.  Students are expected to use the skills they develop to solve ‘real-life’ business problems. The course is examined by two written papers at the end of Year 11. 

Cambridge IGCSE Economics is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of economics.

Successful Cambridge IGCSE Economics candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

  • an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles
  • the ability to apply the tools of economic analysis
  • the ability to distinguish between facts and value judgements in economic issues
  • an understanding of, and an ability to use basic economic numeracy and literacy
  • the ability to take a greater part in decision-making processes in everyday life
  • an understanding of the economies of developed and developing nations
  • an excellent foundation for advanced study in economics.

The course is examined by two written papers at the end of Year 11.

Paper 1 Multiple choice 45 minutes Candidates answer 30 multiple-choice questions, weighted at 30% of total available marks.

Paper 2 Structured questions on real economic situations, 2 hours 15 minutes, weighted at 70% of total available marks.

At A level the content is split into two main sections, the first section introduces students to microeconomic issues and the second section covers mainly macroeconomic issues. At this stage of the course, students will learn to appreciate that microeconomics and macroeconomics are not entirely distinct areas of study. They will be aware that microeconomic principles often provide fundamental insights into understanding aspects of the macroeconomy. Similarly, that economic issues and problems often contain both a microeconomic and macroeconomic dimension.

At A level, students will be assessed through three examination papers. The first paper will examine microeconomics, Individuals, firms, markets and market failure and the second paper will examine macroeconomics, The national and international economy.

The third paper will include both micro and macroeconomics. At this stage of the course, students will be expected to recognise when it is appropriate to use microeconomic and/or macroeconomic models.

Business Studies

The Business Studies Department is made up of a team of enthusiastic and experienced teachers. A popular subject at both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5/Sixth Form, students that study Business Studies will develop knowledge and skills in, Marketing, Finance, Operations, Human Resources and develop a complex understanding of The Business Organisation. Students will learn about a ‘real world’ subject that can be applied to everyday life. Studying Business Studies is of great benefit to not only those intending to run a business one day, but also to the vast majority of us that will pursue a career in the business world.

BTEC Enterprise

BTEC qualifications offer learners an alternative to traditional academic subjects. They allow students to learn in a vocational context using a more ‘hands-on’ approach. Designed to meet the needs of employers, BTECs are work-related qualifications for learners taking their first steps into employment or planning to enter university.

BTEC Enterprise is an exciting and challenging business course. Students work in small teams to plan, set-up and operate a micro-business. The majority of the units studied are contextualised to the micro-business. This makes learning enjoyable and relevant. Not only do students acquire subject knowledge but also many hard-skills from the experience of operating a business. Graduates of the course have commented on the usefulness of the skills they have learnt.

This course is well-suited to hard-working, highly motivated students that prefer coursework to examinations. 

For more information, please refer to our BTEC page

Economics

Economics is a very popular subject, both at IGCSE and A level, at DESC.  We offer the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) IGCSE Economics programme and the AQA A level Economics programme. Both CIE and AQA Economics programmes are accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of Economics.

CIE IGCSE Economics

Successful Cambridge IGCSE Economics candidates gain lifelong skills, including:

  • an understanding of economic theory, terminology and principles
  • the ability to apply the tools of economic analysis
  • the ability to distinguish between facts and value judgements in economic issues
  • an understanding of, and an ability to use, basic economic numeracy and literacy
  • the ability to take a greater part in decision-making processes in everyday life
  • an understanding of the economies of developed and developing nations
  • an excellent foundation for advanced study in Economics.

The IGCSE course is examined by two written papers at the end of Year 11.