The Business Studies Department aims to elicit independent thought as well as analytical and evaluative skills. Through in-depth debating of business issues, pupils are encouraged to be more confident and capable of critical thinking.
The subject is taught by attention to its relevance with particular focus on live case studies. Pupils are encouraged to be proactive in their learning and to analyse and research topics independently.
Teaching Staff Programme of Study Enrichment
Mr P N Keighley (Head of Department)Mr T E HareMr PJ O’Sullivan
Business Studies may only be studied in the Upper School.
At AS and A2 level we follow the AQA specification. Topics covered include Marketing, Accounting and Finance, People, Operations Management, External Influences and Objectives and Strategy. Pupils are set by ability and taught by two teachers.
While the A2 subject headings remain the same, the topics are very different. Pupils will be required to develop a marketing strategy. Accounting and Finance demands an understanding of profit and loss accounts and balance sheets, as well as an appreciation of the more numerate tools involved in decision making. The course also examines a firm’s social opportunities and responsibilities, and encourages pupils to bring together all aspects of business decision making and develop business strategies in given situations.
The Marlborough College Business Studies Department pioneered the introduction of Business Studies as an A level in the late 1960s. This work was added to and revised in the 1980s by Professor David Myddelton of Cranfield Business School. The department has been at the forefront of syllabus and case material and launched one of the first interactive CD ROMs.
Pupils are encouraged in their learning by a well stocked library with up to date publications. Case study material is brought to life by a regular programme of speakers from industry. We have been fortunate recently by visits from Lord MacLaurin, and Vice Presidents from Coca Cola and Nokia.
Pupils can participate in a Master Class exercise where a business simulation puts pupils in a virtual world with virtual days lasting 30 minutes, requiring them to make decisions under pressure. Pupils can also participate in ProShare simulation, encouraging them to keep up to date with influences on the market and share price movements of firms.