Welcome

Introduction:

The Business and Economics Department at Walton gives students the chance to explore how businesses are run, how decisions are made, and how the economy shapes our everyday lives. Our courses build skills in problem-solving, analysis and creativity, helping students to prepare for further study, apprenticeships, or future careers.

In Years 10 and 11, students study Edexcel GCSE Business. This course introduces the key areas of marketing, finance, human resources and operations, as well as the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs. Lessons are built around real-world examples, giving students the chance to apply their learning to practical situations.

At A Level, students can choose to specialise in either Business or Economics. Edexcel A Level Business, offered in Years 12 and 13, looks at leadership, strategy and the impact of the external environment on firms. Economics is also a popular choice: Year 12 students follow the Edexcel specification, while Year 13 students study OCR. Both courses cover microeconomics and macroeconomics, encouraging students to debate and evaluate the big issues that shape society.

Our department is proud to inspire curiosity, ambition and independence, supporting every student to achieve their best and succeed beyond Walton.

Key Members of the department:

Miss Charlotte Barnes – Lead teacher of Business & Economics –c.barnes@walton.staffs.sch.uk

Mr David Lemm – Teacher of Business – d.lemm@walton.staffs.sch.uk

Homework expectations:

Year 10 –

• 1 homework task on Seneca set every two weeks.

Year 11 –

• 1 homework task on Seneca set every two weeks.
• Exam Style Question set every week.
• On going revision at home – 1 hour a week.

Year 12 and 13 –

• 1 exam question a week to be handed in to the Business office by Friday each week.
• 2 hours in the out of lesson booklets.
• Seneca tasks set at the end of each topic area.

Key exam dates for 2026 exams:

GCSE Business Edexcel –

• Paper 1 – 11^th May 2026 in the afternoon (1 hr 45 mins)
• Paper 2 – 21^st May 2026 in the afternoon (1hr 45 mins)

A Level Business Edexcel –

• Paper 1 – 13^th May 2026 in the afternoon (2 hours)
• Paper 2 – 19^th May 2026 in the morning (2 hours)
• Paper 3 – 9^th June 2026 in the afternoon (2 hours)

AS Level Business Edexcel –

• Paper 1 – 15^th May 2026 in the afternoon (1hr 30 mins)
• Paper 2 – 21^st May 2026 in the afternoon (1hr 30 mins)

A Level Economics OCR –

• Micro – 11^th May 2026 in the morning (2 hours)
• Macro – 18^th May 2026 in the afternoon (2 hours)
• Themes – 4^th June 2026 in the morning (2 hours)

Specification links:

GCSE Business Edexcel

Edexcel GCSE Business (2017) | Pearson qualifications

 

OCR A Level Economics

AS and A Level – Economics – H060, H460

Edexcel A Level Business

Edexcel AS and A level Business 2015 | Pearson qualifications

Edexcel A Level Economics

Edexcel AS and A level Economics A 2015 | Pearson qualifications

For any queries please contact Miss Barnes at: c.barnes@walton.staffs.sch.uk

Learning Maps

• Business GCSE and A Level 
• Economics A Level