Ethos  

Students who study Financial Studies, Business Studies & Economics at The Hazeley Academy will be aware of the importance of business enterprise and the ever changing nature of the business world. Economic students will understand the pivotal role of the economy in dealing with economic shocks such as Brexit, the Global Financial Crisis, the covid pandemic and supply chain issues arising from global conflict. They also will appreciate the dynamics in the shifts in the global economic powers from the West to China, and the emerging opportunities in Africa. The GCSE Business studies curriculum will equip students with the appropriate knowledge and skills needed to continue their studies at advanced level,  or enter the world of work. The Financial Studies curriculum will enable students to learn about the importance of sustainable personal financial planning.  We want students to develop an enthusiasm for the subjects through the incorporation of real world examples, business speakers and using enrichment opportunities, such as Young Enterprise, to bring the business world into the classroom. This will enable students to develop entrepreneurial skills and understand the dynamic nature of the current business world.    

We aim to inspire adaptability within our Economics students’ thinking so they become:  

• Aware of the different schools of economic thought  

• Confident in challenging traditional economic theory  

• Appreciate the ever-changing economic climate  

• Flexible thinkers who have a good grasp of the changing nature of the global economy .   

Through modelling and encouraging deep interest in Business Studies, our students will become:  

• Equipped with the knowledge and transferable skills to be successful in the wider business world as entrepreneurs or employees  

• Creative thinkers with the ability to find solutions to business problems  

• Appreciate the ever-changing nature of the business world and the need for adaptability and flexibility, in light of rapid technological developments  

• Fully informed and aspirational when making business and employment choices  

 INTENT     

ECONOMICS KS5  

Our curriculum Intent is to ensure that students gain a full understanding of key economic theories and principles as they complete the A Level course. We expect students to be able apply to apply their knowledge and understanding of economics to make sense of what is happening in the local, regional, national and global economies. The foundations of Economics are learned through teaching the core knowledge of how markets work using supply and demand, and then progressing to how markets fail and how governments respond.  We want students to think like economists and offer solutions from economics in relation to key global issues.     

BUSINESS KS4 & KS5  

Our Business Education curriculum is a mix of theory (A Level) and real-life application (BTEC) of how businesses react and adapt and we purposefully sequence knowledge that enables our students to understand the core theoretical knowledge of how businesses and economies operate, and then look at national and global responses to the challenges that these business and economies encounter. Our students learn the detail underpinning business ownership, operations, human resources, marketing, finance and how they react to external influences such as the economy, competition, globalisation and legislation. The KS4 GCSE Business course progresses to the KS5 A Level Business or BTEC Extended Certificate Business qualifications. This ensures students at KS4 have a solid foundation of key business knowledge.  

 FINANCIAL STUDIES KS5  

In the first year of the LIBF Financial Studies course, students develop the knowledge and skills required for young people to make informed financial decisions by introducing them to the risks and challenges involved in personal finance and the tools for effective planning. A solid foundation of knowledge of personal financial sustainability in the short & medium term is gained in Year One, which then leads to progression to the Diploma qualification in Year Two where long-term financial planning is explored which prepares students to make fully informed and confident financial decisions later in their own lives, or to further their studies in accountancy and finance at university  

 IMPLEMENTATION  

The teaching and delivery of Business, Finance and Economics involves bringing real world business examples into the classroom.  We use all available resources including TED lectures, The Economist, Tutor2u and have access to daily broadsheet newspapers including the FT, The New York Times and China Daily. Speakers from various businesses such as Metro Bank and TVP are an important part of variety in lesson delivery, alongside a comprehensive bank of resources on Teams.  Our teaching strategies ensure that students have a comprehensive knowledge of the specifications and are capable of going beyond what is taught in lessons to appreciate what is happening in the economy and business world. Techniques to help students master subject content are embedded in the curriculum through our departmental focus on metacognition.  Numeracy, problem solving and financial management skills are all typical aspects of lessons with the department.  There is close collaboration with Shenley Brook End School in the developing and sharing of relevant and up to date resources.  At KS5, identical assessments are taken across both schools to enable increased rigour, and moderation of work. To complement the schemes of work, students also engage in Economics and Business exam preparation days with teachers in the 5 Dimensions Trust who are also examiners.  A network of Financial Studies teachers has also been established, where teachers across 5 schools routinely share resources for the external case study exams ensuring that the LIBF students have the best possible chances of performing to the best of their ability.  

 IMPACT  

The subjects delivered within the department are the most popular within The Hazeley Academy.  Classes at KS5 include an average of 23 students, while at KS4 there are 4 groups opting to study GCSE Business in Year 9.  A large number of external sixth form students are also attracted to study the subjects at KS5 and travel considerable distances. The number of students who progress onto undergraduate programmes is around 80% which indicates the popularity and success of the subjects.  Many students choose to specialise in Sixth Form and study a combination of both Economics, Business and Financial Studies.  Students frequently express their enjoyment of Economics and Business studies, the quality of teaching they have received and their appreciation of the knowledge and study skills they have gained from the department.  They recognise the value of these qualifications in providing them with excellent employability and transferable skills for the modern work place.  Exam results are in line with national averages, with particular success being enjoyed in Financial Studies, where each year several students are in the top 5% of achievers and gain scholarships to further their studies on an undergraduate degree course at The London Institute of Banking and Finance.