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Economics and Business Studies

Up to a half of the Clifton 6th form takes Economics or Business Studies A Level. This is a reflection of the general interest in these subjects, both nationally and internationally, and their benefits in training the mind and gaining practical business skills. A significant proportion of Clifton leavers go on to higher education in Economics and Business-related courses at the best universities in the UK and abroad.

Head of Economics & Business Studies
Mr William Scott BSc
Teachers
Mrs Andrea Ballance BSc Mr Antony Spencer MA Mr Alan O’Sullivan BSc Mrs Katherine Jeffery BSc Mrs Lisa Moyle BA Mr Nicholas Luker BA

Economics provides an analytical framework with which to address questions such as
- Why do some nations grow faster than others?
- Is the value of the Euro against the US Dollar a matter for concern?
- Is the taxation of petrol a good way to address global climate change?
- What are the advantages of mergers between companies?
- Will the government's spending cuts help or hinder the UK's economic recovery?
- Are there any drawbacks to increasing global interconnectedness?

Economics helps pupils to develop clear, logical thinking and an analytical approach to problem-solving. They learn data-analysis skills and are encouraged to think through the wider implications of events. An ability to write fluently in essays is important, although no prior study of Economics is necessary.

A critical factor in successful enjoyment of their course is Clifton pupils’ level of interest in current and economic affairs. They come to class brimming with news and views, topical examples of the theories under consideration and questions about the things they have read in their own time, all of which makes for stimulating discussions in lessons.

Business Studies

We are surrounded by business and business information. Every day the news tells us of new products being launched, businesses starting or failing, increased levels of profit or loss, stock markets rising and falling. In Business Studies we learn how strategies are formed and decisions made. Business Studies addresses questions such as
- How have businesses been affected by the 'credit crunch'?
- Why do some marketing campaigns succeed where similar ones fail?
- How does government policy affect businesses?
- What can firms do to motivate people to work harder?
- What is the most efficient way to produce a product?

The Business Studies course is a practical application of analytical and management tools to case studies of businesses from Start-up to Multi-National Corporation.

Like Economics, Business Studies is rooted in the real world and therefore learning necessarily incorporates current affairs in business, economics and related political developments. Clifton pupils are encouraged to read widely around the issues under consideration and to bring their ideas and findings to class to stimulate discussion. Genuine interest in the subject, borne out of academic curiosity or other ambitions, motivates Clifton pupils to study effectively and to succeed.

Clifton also offers a popular GCSE option in a combined Business and Economics course which provides 4th and 5th form pupils with early exposure to some of the issues in starting a business and the UK economic environment.

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