How long have you been teaching Business and Economics at Blackheath High School?

This is my first year of teaching Business and Economics here at Blackheath High School.  I have been teaching for over 12 years now. 

Can you tell us about your background? 

I went into teaching 12 years ago and previously taught at a girls' grammar school in Kent. Before I started teaching I spent a number of years in the City working in finance as well as a few years undertaking a construction project and management in India. During my teaching years I have also been an active member of the British Army Reserve as an Infantry Officer, including a short deployment in West Africa.

What is covered in Business and Economics? What are your students working on at the moment? 

Business and Economics looks at the entire business and economic world. It’s all about the spending and generating of money in the country and the impact it has on us. It also looks at how the economy is impacted by us as consumers, the government and businesses within it. Currently we are looking at why certain countries specialise in certain areas and how countries are able to grow and develop.

Is it a popular choice of subject? 

Hugely popular both at this school and on a global scale. It is one of the most widely studied subject areas in world with a number of famous institutes, like Harvard Business School and London School of Economics, which are dedicated to it. This year the Year 12 A levels Economics class is in double figures and the Business class is only slightly smaller.

What are the benefits of studying this subject? 

It is a great subject to study because Business and Economics is relevant to all future careers. A sound basis in business and the economy is essential in any walk of life but particularly if you want to work in the UK’s huge financial sector.

What are the benefits of studying Business and Economics at Blackheath High School? What is unique about Business and Economics here? 

Obviously the charismatic and enthusiastic teacher! The atmosphere of teaching and learning is designed to make sure that students can really relate the theory to real life. So, in lessons we focus just as much on the news and media as we do on the theory.  The fact that the school is in the shadow of the world’s largest financial sector, with the City of London in full view, means we can access and take advantages of a number of opportunities from work experience to trips to the Bank of England.

Is there a particular aspect of the course that students tend to enjoy? 

What students enjoy the most is the fact that they can relate nearly every topic to something happening in the world today. Whether its Trade Wars one day or Brexit the next! Everything we study is relevant to something happening in the here and now and that is always exciting. And of course, who doesn't enjoy learning about how they can maximise their income!