ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

Mr J Gravelle - Head of Department
Mr N Exley
Mr M McTeare

The department believes that the primary objective is to provide the educational environment necessary for the acquisition of a durable, perceptive and comprehensive understanding of Economics and Business concepts. It recognises the essential rôle played by the subject area in present day society and believes that knowledge of the disciplines underlying Economic and Business decision making is an important part of intellectual training.

Business Studies AS and Advanced (A2)

The subject aims to develop a critical understanding of business organisations and the markets they operate in e.g. Europe and Developing Economies. Students should be aware of the ethical, environmental, legal, social, technological and economic factors affecting business decisions.

Economics AS and Advanced (A2)

No prior knowledge of Economics is required.

The syllabus aims to develop an understanding of economic concepts and theories through a critical consideration of current economic issues. During the course there will be an opportunity to discuss topics such as:

• Should the UK adopt the Euro?
• Why are living standards lower in the North?
• Should we pay to use the Motorway?
• Is Globalisation good or bad?

Accounting AS only

No prior knowledge of Accounting is required.

The syllabus aims to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the purposes of accounting, its concepts and techniques.

Topics covered include:
Financial Accounting, Balance sheets, Profit and Loss Accounts, Limited liability A/C, Break-even Analysis, Manufacturing A/C, Social Accounting etc.

GCSE Business Studies

The course aims to provide knowledge and understanding of the business environment, language, decision-making processes and organisation.
Emphasis is placed on a sound practical knowledge of industry and visits are arranged to BP, Jackson’s Bakery, Fox’s Biscuits, Manchester Airport and Manchester United, etc.

At present there are 53 students studying Economics and 51 studying Business Studies at AS/A level. There are 91 students preparing for the GCSE in Business Studies in Years 10 and 11.

The department is located in three adjacent rooms and shares a study area and a department workroom with another department. Each teaching room is equipped with a television, video recorder and overhead projector. There is an extensive library located in the teaching rooms and study area.

The department also has the use of a computer room, which is an important part of the teaching programme.

Students have enjoyed considerable success in local and national competitions including computer simulations and the Ogden Trust Business Challenge. The department is heavily committed to the Young Enterprise competition, with 65 pupils sitting the examination. In 2005 the Hymers College Young Enterprise Company Avian Enterprise won the National Finals of this competition and came 2nd in Europe.  In 2006 the Hymers College Company Tops Off again represented the Yorkshire and Humberside Region in the National Finals, making Hymers College the only school to have been represented in the National Finals 2 years running.

There is also a long established School Bank.

J Gravelle