Economics

Events of the last four years have, for obvious reasons, made Economics a discipline in the spotlight. Girls are eager to know the causes and consequences of the near collapse of the Western Banking System and why they are the first students for a generation to experience significantly higher levels of youth unemployment and economic conditions associated with the severest downturn since the 1930s. This, coupled with the sovereign debt crisis in the euro zone, and how and why the problems associated with Greece, Italy and Spain may have such a devastating effect on the UK economy. Other issues such as globalisation and the rising economic and political influence of Brazil, Russia, India and China have all helped make Economics increasingly relevant.

Within this context, the Department aims to develop confident, independent and reflective students who enjoy classroom discussion and seek to form opinions on modern socio-economic and political issues. Girls are encouraged to become independent thinkers, able to make better and more informed decisions through familiarising themselves with current affairs by reading newspapers and watching television. On completing the course the girls can form their own judgments and draw their own conclusions on a wide range of issues and possess the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of professions.

Outside the classroom the girls have the opportunity to partake in the Student Investor Programme and the Bank of England 2.0 challenge. They are also encouraged to participate in the Young Enterprise Initiative.