The Department offers Business Studies at GCSE and both Business Studies and Economics at AS and A-level. In the former the course is concerned with a problem-solving approach to help candidates understand the nature and working of business and industry. The aim is to provide a clear understanding of the principles which govern business decisions. In Economics the aim is to provide a detailed understanding of the economic environment and the institutions which shape the modern world. The major emphasis is on the UK economy, although international trade and co-operation figure largely in the syllabus.

We also offer AS and A2 level Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of Society. It is about all kinds of social relationships that people share with each other; in their families, in their school and in work. The methods developed by sociologists are used in many other academic areas such as in market research and management.

Topics studied by sociologists include all varieties of human experience. The ‘AS’ level course concentrates on the Individual and Society and the Family, at A2 students will look at Education and Social Inequality in the contemporary UK.

Social theory is important in Sociology. It teaches that there are no right or wrong answers when it comes to studying the way that people live together. What is important for a sociologist is the ability to evaluate evidence and choose between possible explanations.

The type of person who will enjoy Sociology will be someone who is not afraid to have new ideas and who is prepared to work at a demanding pace. There is a lot of individual research and reading to do and for anyone who is interested in the world about us there is much that is exciting to be discovered.

Barry Carr, head of department