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
John Weiner LLB ACA, Head of Economics & Business Studies
Graduated from Cardiff University and previously at Leighton Park School.
Anthony Fahey BA (Hons), Economics & Business Studies, Head of Upper 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. Anthony is also the link teacher for Young Enterprise.
Colin James, BSc (Hons) MBA, Economics & Business Studies, Head of Lower 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.
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.
Alexander Moore BSc, Teacher of Business Studies
Alex left Caterham in 2008 to continue a passion in Economics at the University of York graduating in 2011. Returning to Caterham the same year he has subsequently joined the department to specialise in the GCSE Business Studies course. He gained business experience through working in an estate agency for a number of years alongside his A-level and University studies.
Alex is a member of the Townsend Boys Boarding team and highly motivated by the boarding environment. Following on from extensive involvement in the dance societies at University, Alex is also a committed dancer who started up a number of new dance ventures upon joining the school in 2011. He is heavily involved with events throughout the Performing Arts calendar and assists in the drama department.