Ivybridge
Community College
Economics, Business and Enterprise
Head of Department: Samantha Brooks
Welcome to the Economics, Business and Enterprise Department at Ivybridge Community College.
We believe that understanding Economics and Business is essential in today’s changing world. Our team is committed to helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to make informed decisions about their futures. Through engaging GCSE and A Level courses, including academic and vocational pathways, students develop analytical, communication, numeracy, and problem-solving skills valued across many industries.
Why Study Economics and Business Studies?
Students gain key transferable skills, including:
- Analytical Thinking
- Communication
- Evaluation
- Numeracy
- Problem-Solving
- Logical Thinking
- Presentation
- Report Writing
These skills can lead to a wide range of careers, such as business management, finance, marketing, consultancy, banking, teaching, retail, logistics, and entrepreneurship.
Whether students aspire to run their own business, become economists, or work in global organisations, these subjects provide a strong foundation for future success.
Key Stage Four
GCSE Business Studies
The OCR GCSE Business Studies course provides students with a strong introduction to how businesses operate. They will explore key areas such as business ownership, finance, and the impact of external factors like competition, customer needs, and government policies.
Students develop valuable skills in problem-solving, communication, and analysis, preparing them for both further study and the modern workplace.
Key topics include:
- Business ownership and structure (e.g. sole traders, partnerships, corporations)
- Finance and budgeting, including cash flow
- External influences such as economic, social, and legal factors
This qualification is an excellent foundation for progression to A Level study and future business-related careers.
Exam Board: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/business-j204-from-2017/
GCSE Economics (being discontinued after July 2027)
The OCR GCSE Economics qualification provides students with a comprehensive understanding of how economies function. The course covers both Microeconomics (individual markets, businesses, and consumers) and Macroeconomics (national and global economies), exploring key issues like inflation, unemployment, and government policy.
Key areas of study include:
- Introduction to Economics: Learn the basic principles and how economic systems operate.
- Global Economics: Understand the impact of international trade, exchange rates, and global issues.
- Microeconomics: Study market functions, supply and demand, and business behaviour.
- Macroeconomics: Examine broader issues such as national income, economic growth, and fiscal policy.
This qualification provides a solid foundation for future careers in economics, finance, business, and public policy.
Exam Board: https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/economics-j205-from-2017/
BTEC Enterprise
The BTEC Enterprise qualification is a vocational course for students interested in business and entrepreneurship. It focuses on developing practical entrepreneurial skills, from planning and presenting business ideas to managing marketing and finances for a small enterprise.
Key topics include:
- Exploring Enterprises: Learn the fundamentals of starting and running a business, including identifying opportunities and managing risks.
- Planning and Presenting a Micro Business Idea: Develop your own business idea, plan its structure, and present it effectively.
- Marketing for Enterprise: Understand how to market a product or service, from branding to attracting customers.
- Finance for Enterprise: Gain insight into managing business finances, including budgeting, funding, and cash flow.
This qualification is ideal for students looking to become entrepreneurs or work in small businesses, combining hands-on skills with the theoretical knowledge needed to succeed in the business world.
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/btec-tech-awards/enterprise-2022.html
Key Stage Five
A Level Economics
Economics is about understanding the decisions made by individuals, businesses, and governments, and using logical thinking and economic theories to solve real-world problems. On this course, you’ll explore both Microeconomics (individual markets) and Macroeconomics (national and global economies), tackling issues like inflation, unemployment, and government policies.
Key topics include:
- Microeconomics and Macroeconomics: Examining market dynamics, supply and demand, and the broader economy.
- Globalisation, Inflation, Unemployment, Pollution, and Poverty: Understanding the key challenges facing economies today.
- Government Policies: Exploring the impact of fiscal and monetary policies.
- Economic Questions:
- Why has the government imposed a tax on sugar?
- What happens when the value of the pound falls against the Euro?
- How do interest rates affect the economy?
We follow the Edexcel A Level Economics A specification, helping students think critically about economic events and their impact on our daily lives.
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/economics-a-2015.html
A Level Business Studies
The A Level Business Studies course explores how businesses operate, focusing on key business departments like Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, and Production. Students will also examine the impact of external factors such as government policies, competition, and ethical considerations, and how businesses respond to these challenges.
Key topics include:
- Marketing Strategies and Advertising
- Pricing Decisions and Competition
- Location
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Leadership and Management
- Business Cash Flow and Final Accounts
The course provides valuable insights into the decisions businesses make in a competitive world, including the effects of Globalisation.
Exam Board: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/business-2015.html
For more information, please contact the College here: