The Edinburgh Academy

What's this subject like?

GCSE Business Studies and Economics provides a valuable grounding in two subjects. Both are important for an understanding of the modern world. Though they are not vocational in approach, (that means you don't emerge from them as a chartered accountant or even a database compiler,) nevertheless they provide the beginnings of insight into the potential of a variety of possible careers.

The Nuffield GCSE course is designed to provide pupils with an introduction to two subjects which they have not come across in school before. The course involves the study of a wide range of business and economic issues and their impact on the real world, through individual and group work in class, and through individual coursework. It examines a wide range of business issues such as competitiveness, risk, motivating workers and marketing. To give an example, why has Starbucks been so successful? The course also looks at the wider perspective of how markets operate and the impact of economic forces on the whole community. For example, why are house prices so high and what impact does this have on consumer spending?

Teaching, Assessment & Progression

In this subject teaching is based on case studies, and increasingly these are case studies of real firms.

The course is assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework. One piece of coursework is submitted from each of the two years, and together they make up 25% of the fi nal mark. The remainder is assessed by examination at the end of the second year.

The course offers a preparation for further study of both Business Management and Economics at Higher Grade and beyond. Its content also has direct relevance to most future careers; the topics discussed, whether budgets and cash-fl ows or how to market products are day to day issues for most managers and budding entrepreneurs.