The very nature of Thames is entrepreneurial and this is reflected in our teaching of Business and Finance. We consider financial literacy to be a crucial life skill and teach Personal Finance as a core GCSE subject, making us one of the first schools in the country to do so. This course prepares pupils for adulthood when they will no longer depend on others for their financial provision and have to manage their own affairs.
The optional study of Business Studies at GCSE adds a further dimension, with the introduction of finance, economics, business ownership, aims, objectives, marketing, people and law. A Business and Economics club sees pupils engage in competitive scenarios such as making investment decisions on the stock market using virtual money and trading commodities in a simulated environment. Pupils learn about the fast-paced business world and the fine line that separates success and failure. Pupils are also encouraged to enter the Young Business Writer of the Year competition which involves writing a journalistic essay on topics as relevant and controversial as: "Bankers' Rewards - Asking for Trouble?".
Thames won the Good School's Guide Personal Finance Award for boys in 2010. This was topped in 2011 by our winning the Personal Finance Award in both the boys' and the girls' categories. These awards are given by the Good Schools' Guide for the best GCSE results in comparison to other English independent schools measured across several years.
Victoria's Story
Victoria left Thames with an impressive set of GCSE results that were a grade and a half higher than her CATs predictions. She achieved 100% A*-B passes with A*s in Business Studies, Maths and Religious Studies, As in English, Spanish, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Physical Education, and Bs in English Literature and ICT. Victoria gained a place to study for her A levels at the respected and highly popular Esher College in Surrey. She was also a Peer Group Mentor, trained by Wandsworth Youth Inclusion Project and helped mentor needy young children at a nearby primary school.
- Academic
- English
- Mathematics
- Sciences
- Humanities
- Languages
- Business & Financial Studies
- Thinking Skills
- Gifted & Talented
The school is addressing the fact that pupils should be financially competent before leaving school.
