Economics & Business Studies
The AQA A-level Economics syllabus leads to the investigation of Economics on all levels from the individual consumer to the actions of national governments, international trade and development of global regions. Successful students will gain an understanding of current issues. They will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to enable them to evaluate the decisions of governments and businesses, the words of the press and politicians, and comment on any aspect of human behaviour that affects the allocation of resources and the welfare society.
Tuition takes a variety of forms including lectures, discussions, group and individual research et cetera. We attend conferences every year to hear distinguished speakers from public life, and where possible invite outside speakers into the classroom. Students must read newspapers and relevant journals. Time will be spent developing an interest in current issues, improving the student's skills as economists and business studies students, and their understanding of the world in which they live.
Business Studies offers the opportunity to observe and evaluate business practice in all its different contexts and applications; from Multinational to Sole Trader and from Public Service to Financial Institution. The Department follows the AQA A-level Business Studies course. This draws on skills from a variety of disciplines and encompasses the four main functional areas of business: Finance, Production, Human Resources and Marketing.
Biographies
This dynamic Department consists of 4 graduates of Business and Economics, all of who have additional postgraduate teaching qualifications.
Campbell Smith, Head of Business Studies and Economics
Campbell graduated from the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) with a Teaching Diploma, BComm (Sport Science) and a BComm (Hons), in Business Management. He has been at Caterham School since 2003 and teaches AS and A2 Business Studies as well as Economics. His specialist marketing and strategic management know-how are particularly relevant to the Business Studies course. Campbell is a extremely committed to co-curricular sports such as cricket, hockey and rugby.
Anthony Fahey, Teacher of Business of Business Studies & Economics, Head of Lower Sixth
Anthony, having graduated from the University of London with a BA degree in Development Economics, has been at Caterham School since 2001. He teaches both Business Studies and Economics at AS and A2 level, and his particular expertise lies in Development Economics - a fundamental part of the A2 Economics syllabus. Before becoming a teacher Anthony worked in a variety of businesses, including a spell at LIFFE. As well as Head of Department and Head of Lower Sixth, Anthony is also the link teacher for Young Enterprise.
Cathriona Wallace, Teacher of Business Studies & Economics
Cathriona is a graduate of UMIST with a BSc (Hons) in Financial Services and has a postgraduate qualification in Education from Brighton University. Cathriona has also been awarded 'the Associateship' of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Cathriona joined us in September 2005 with a wealth of industry experience, which includes several years of both mainland and offshore banking. For the six years prior to joining Caterham School, Cathriona gained further experience and knowledge pursuing a career in London as an Investment Portfolio Analyst. Cathriona's experience from both careers enables her to specialise in the teaching of Accounting and Finance and External Influences on Business to our AS level business students.
Colin James, Teacher of Business Studies & Economics, Head of Upper Sixth Form
Colin graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc (Hons) in Economic and Social History with Politics. He also holds a Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Cranfield School of Management. After acquiring extensive management experience as both UK and International Operations Director for a global image licensing business Colin joined the teaching profession. For three years he was the Business Studies Course Director at one of the largest colleges in the country before joining Caterham in September 2005.He specialises in Marketing and Strategic planning, knowledge gained from both commercial experience and also teaching marketing to marketing professionals. An avid sports fan, and having represented England at rugby whilst at university, he enjoys contributing to the sporting side of Caterham life.