Department Aims
The main aim of the Business Studies and Economics department is to offer students the opportunity to develop an understanding and awareness of economic, social and business related issues. Students taking Business Studies and Economics at JESS will, through an investigative and problem-solving approach, become critical thinkers, and be able to analyse and evaluate real-life case studies and recommend solutions to typical problems that arise in today’s economic and business world.

The department is also aiming to coordinate the Young Enterprise programme which will enable students to witness firsthand how business works, understand the role it plays in providing employment and creating prosperity, and be inspired to improve their own prospects. The Young Enterprise programme can also help some students fulfil part of the CAS (Community Action Service) requirement for IB. The students will be organising an enterprise as a not-for-profit organisation, with any surplus being donated to the charity that JESS supports, The Vietnam Project.

Department Facilities
The department is very well equipped, with an interactive whiteboard in each classroom. Students also have access to the computer labs for their online research, data processing and preparation of coursework. The Learning Resource Centre houses publications which will help students with their GCSE and IB investigations. Students are encouraged to watch business news, read the local newspapers and access online resources including:

• www.bized.co.uk
• www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/business
• www.toolkit.cch.com
• www.tutor2u.net