Business and Economics

Businesses and the economy they operate within are at the centre of society. The study of Business and Economics at Cranleigh Abu Dhabi offers a real-world understanding of the way in which so many elements of the commercial world are linked and function in tandem at Cranleigh are actively encouraged to debate, discuss and analyse real-life examples of current economic affairs and the intricacies of live commercial news stories. We call this ‘News Flash’.  This real-world approach empowers students to make tangible connections between textbook theory and the world around them. 

Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision

Peter Druck

Business Studies in the Senior School

The IGCSE Business Studies syllabus is specifically designed to offer students opportunities to gain skills that will support progression to further study of business, and to enhance their educational or employment prospects. It allows learners to build understanding and awareness of the business world and is developed to incorporate both business concepts and the multiple contexts in which they operate.

The IGCSE syllabus is appropriate for international students, building understanding and awareness of business concepts and applying them to real-life scenarios. The content develops the student’s ability to participate effectively in a global society as citizens, producers and consumers. The course covers a wide range of dynamic topics from human resources, marketing, operations, finance as well as external influences such as politics, technology and economics.

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Business Studies and Economics in the Sixth Form

Business is about decision-making. What price to set for a new product, where to sell it, where to make it, how to raise the money to fund its manufacture, how to motivate the staff, how to deal with customer complaints? A Level Business Studies offers the opportunity to ask these and similar questions, sometimes by looking through the eyes of a corporate giant like Coca Cola and sometimes from the point of view of a smaller player like a local corner shop. The A Level course brings students to the next level in real-world business with deep dives into how external activities affect commerce and, in turn, how businesses react to these; for example, the effect of changes in government policy (e.g. taxes or interest rates), levels of competition, demand, pressure groups and business ethics.

The study of Economics leads to a thorough grounding in analysing and evaluating the functions of the modern economy. Since Economics is based around the choices made by individuals, firms, governments and ultimately society, it is an opportunity for debate. It provides the framework for argument, on such diverse subjects as poverty, healthcare, wages gaps and the environment. The goal is to use what resources we have to make ourselves better off, and it is no coincidence that people with Economics degrees are among the best paid graduates.

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