Business, Financial Studies and Law
Head of Department: Mrs C Roche
This successful and innovative range of subjects offers a selection of courses at both Key Stage 4 and 5 to prepare students for post-18 academic and vocational pathways into Business, Finance and the Law. These courses can be studied individually or, as part of our Key Stage 5 curriculum, students can opt to study all three subjects in a business, finance and legal academic pathway.
At Key Stage 4, students can study GCSE Business. As from September 2022 students will have the opportunity to study for The London Institute of Banking and Finance Level 2 Certificate in Financial Education (CeFE)
Key Stage 5 students have access to A level Business and Law courses and the London Institute of Banking and Finance Certificate and Diploma in Financial Studies. All three subjects offer:
- Highly experienced, specialist teaching staff.
- Help and support throughout their studies with high quality resources.
- The opportunity to take part in trips and visits to the Bank of England; London Institute of Banking and Finance; external Business revision workshops and participate in ‘mock’ trials at Maidstone Crown Court.
- Throughout all three subjects there will be opportunities to speak with industry, financial services and legal professionals.
Teaching Staff
- Mrs C Roche - Head of Department
- Mr Booker
- Mr Harris
- Mr B Jones
- Mr Molloy
- Mr Phillips
- Mr Smith
Enrichment Activities
Throughout the year, we organise a series of visits and enrichment days supported by business, financial and legal professionals.
The Business department is also responsible for organising Enterprise Days in Year 9 to support students making their vocational choices at KS4.
What do our children study?
Our Business Studies courses: Courses are suitable for those studying in preparation for employment or further education in the business sector including the law, accountancy, advertising & marketing, human resources and management. Students will be expected to use communication and ICT skills. We currently offer GCSE and A-Level Business qualifications.
Click here for exam board information on the Edexcel GCSE in Business
Click here for exam board information about the Edexcel A Level in Business
Our Financial Studies course
This sixth form course develops the knowledge and skills required for young people to make informed financial decisions by introducing them to the risks and challenges involved in personal finance and the tools for effective planning. Furthermore, the course provides a solid basis for creating financial inclusion, by exploring social-economic trends and their relationship with an individual’s circumstances and attitudes. The course is both popular and successful and many students use this qualification as a springboard to apply for related jobs or study associated courses within university.
Our Law course is currently on offer to our Key Stage 5 students. The course centres on 3 key areas of substantive law: Criminal law, Tort law and Contract law. Assessment comes in the form of three exams at the end of year 13 on each of these areas of law.
The course is delivered by highly experienced subject specialists and offers students the opportunity to visit the local Crown and Magistrate’s Courts and participate in the Bar Mock Trial competition where students compete against a range of comprehensive, grammar and independent schools at Maidstone Crown Court. Students have often commented that this event has been a defining moment in their desire to study Law at university and beyond.