Courses Offered
AS Level Economics
This is half of the OCR modular A Level. It consists of two units: Micro Economics and Marco Economics. The assessment involves structured questions based on a case study. This may be followed by the study of AS Business Studies or Accounts in Year 2. Re-sit opportunities are possible in AS Modules in all subjects.
A Level Economics
This is an OCR modular course. You are assessed by means of examinations taken at the end of the first year for the AS, and in both winter and summer exam sessions in year two for the A level. The examinations involve data response, case study and essay questions.
These different assessment methods require a wide range of skills to be developed and Maths and English language at grade C are essential. B grades are desirable.
The course involves study of microeconomics (how prices are determined and how markets work) and macroeconomics (how the national and international economy operates and the economic policies used by governments).
The two year one modules are the AS Level. Two modules are taken in year two: Transport Economics and the Global Economy.
Economics Double Option
Students who wish to may add an A Level in Business Studies to their Economics A Level by attending two additional periods during the second year of their course. Around 50% of Economics students opt for the double option, entrance onto the course is dependent on receiving a recommendation from your Economics teacher.
Students may also add an AS in World Development by attending three additional periods during the second year.
AS Level Business Studies
This is half the Edexcel Modular A Level. It consists of two units covering areas of marketing, finance, human resources, operations management, decision-making and external environment. The assessment involves multichoice questions and a case study, with longer questions.
In year two may take a one-year AS accelerated course in Economics (just 4 periods per week), Equally you may opt to take AS Accounting or AS Economics in the ‘normal’ 6 periods per week.
A Level Business Studies
This is an Edexcel modular course. Units are assessed entirely by examination. The AS is taken at the end of the first year. If students have not performed well on the earlier modules they may re-sit, at their own expense.
The course requires you to have high levels of numeracy and literacy. We therefore require at least C grade passes in English and Maths.
Knowledge of the main IT applications is also helpful, though not expected.
AS Accounting
This is an AQA modular course consisting of two data response units. Unit 1: Introduction to Financial Accounting covers double-entry procedures as applied to the accounting systems of sole traders, Unit 2: Financial and Management Accounting, develops the knowledge and understanding of Unit 1 and introduces some ways in which financial accounting can provide valuable information for measuring and monitoring business performance and for planning business operations. The successful completion of this course offers the opportunity to progress to A level in year 2 and combines well with AS Economics in Year 1.
A Level Accounting
Again, a modular AQA course, this 2 unit course is available to those Year 2 students who have successfully completed the associated AS in Year 1. This course is again in two units, Unit 3: Further Financial Accounting and Unit 4: Further Aspects of Management Accounting. This course combines particularly well with A Level Economics and the accelerated A level in Business Studies.
GCE AS/A Level in Applied Business
This is the equivalent of one A Level, is completed over a two year period and will take up 6 periods per week on your timetable. Our students study the EDEXCEL syllabus. You complete 6 units of work. Each of the units deals with a key aspect of business; marketing, human resources, accounting, administration, business planning. There are no final exams, only unit tests. Student centred approach. You complete the course by building up a portfolio of evidence based on contact with firms and work in College. Incorporates experience of work as an important aspect of working with business. This course is suitable for those going into employment at 18 or onto Business related degree courses. Students are encouraged to consider adding AS Accounting to their programme in year 1, which also allows for the opportunity of progression to A level Accounting in year 2.
Certificate in Financial Studies (Double Option)
This is recommended for students taking Economics, Business Studies, Accounts or Applied Business as a fifth subject. It complements these courses and so can be taken in just one period per week. The qualification, which is awarded the same UCAS points as AS Level, consists of three papers, the first two of which are entirely multiple choice. In the second year, student may choose to take the Diploma in Financial Studies, which is awarded the same UCAS points as A Level.
GCSE Personal Economics and Financial Studies
This is taken in six periods a week for the first term (and four periods in the second term) as part of a three or four GCSE course. This course consists of a half GCSE in Economics and a Certificate in Financial Studies (which is valued the same as an AS Level). Students who pass every unit first time, will have completed the course by early March.
Please see the Download box on this page for links to course details.