ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARMENT At Bootham we offer these subjects for A level only.
From September 2008 we are running two separate A levels

ECONOMICS           
Proposed specification: OCR
Initially students are presented with some of the basic economic problems such as resource allocation and are carefully led through basic concepts and ideas. Pupils then move on to the core components of A level Economics which are designed to encourage pupils to develop an understanding of current economic issues, problems and institutions – for instance what does the Bank of England do and what do the Monetary Policy Committee look at to decide on interest rates? Pupils also begin to apply economic theories and models to real world problems noting the values and limitations of such applications. Finally, the core components also enable pupils to analyse, explain and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the market economy and the role of government within it.

The core leads to the thorough investigation of different types of markets and these may include the labour market, leisure and tourism, transport economics or development economics.

This new course will be taught in ‘lecture style’ and resources will include textbooks, newspapers and magazines, television and the internet.  There will be plenty of opportunity to debate and it is expected that everyone will contribute.

Assessment
The course is delivered in two sections, there is no coursework.  An AS level qualification will be taken at the end of College I.  The Advanced GCE will be taken in the summer term of the final year.

Scheme of Assessment
AS Markets in Action
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, all questions mandatory, some short answers, one question which requires extended writing 50% of AS GCE marks (25% of Advanced GCE)

AS The National and International Economy
Exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, all questions mandatory, based on a case study, one Question requires extended writing 50% of
AS GCE marks (25% of Advanced GCE)

A2 The Global Economy
Exam: Questions based on pre-released stimulus material, essay style.This unit is synoptic 25% of Advanced GCE

A2 Transport Economics or Economics of Work and Leisure
Exam: Two sections including a mandatory data response and a structured question.  This unit is synoptic 25% of Advanced GCE
A* grade is available at Advanced GCE

GCSE Requirements
Students need a good command of English. Numerate students who are able to analyse and interpret data and graphs are best suited.

BUSINESS STUDIES
Proposed specification:  OCR
The study of business commences with a comprehensive enquiry into the nature of business including objectives and external influences. We then start to understand the different functions of the commercial world including marketing, finance, human resources and operations management.  We use real examples from the corporate world and include, wherever possible students own experience of business. The AS level ends at this point.

The A2 gives a number of options which build on the core including ‘people in organisations’, ‘business production’, ‘accounting’ and ‘marketing’. There is a compulsory unit called ‘Strategic Management’ which includes an appreciation of political, social and environmental issues. Organisational change is studied including how business responds to globalisation.  We also debate the strategies of major PLCs.

The course is taught by using lectures, debates, group work and individual learning. Textbooks are supplemented with information from newspapers, television and the internet.  We undertake some practical work including, for example, field work in York.

Assessment
The course is delivered in two sections, there is no coursework.  An AS level qualification will be taken at the end of College I.
The Advanced GCE will be taken in the summer term of the final year.

Scheme of Assessment
AS Introduction to Business: 
Exam: 1 hour:  questions include short-answer and data response questions 40% of AS (20% of Advanced GCE)

AS Business Functions:
Exam:2 hours: questions include one six-part question and a mandatory section which is based on pre-released case study material 60% of AS (30% of Advanced GCE)

A2 Accounting or Marketing or People in Organisations or Business Production
Exam: 2 hours: questions are based on case study stimulus material.  The units are partly synoptic 20% of Advanced GCE

A2 Strategic Management
Exam: 2 hours: questions are based on pre-released case study and will include numerical data.  This unit is synoptic 30% of Advanced GCE
A* is available on Advanced GCE

GCSE Requirements
Students need a good command of English. There may be some data analysis in the case studies so students must have basic numeracy.