The Social Sciences Department encompasses three separate subjects and offers A Level courses in Economics (AQA), Politics (Edexcel) and Business (Edexcel).
The dynamic nature of the content across these subjects makes them particularly appealing to young minds engaged with the ever-changing world and interested in current affairs.
Our courses are popular with individuals who relish engaging in thoughtful discussions. In these subjects, there are often no definitive ‘right answers,’ and pupils who can articulate well-founded opinions while appreciating alternative arguments tend to excel. Consequently, many pupils choose to complement their studies in social science with various humanities subjects such as history, English, modern languages, and geography, although many choose with mathematics and science.
Approximately two-thirds of our boys pursue university degrees closely related to these subjects. Annually, we prepare candidates for Oxbridge applications, guiding them toward courses like Economics, PPE, Economics & Management, Human, Social and Political Sciences, and Modern History and Politics.
The Social Sciences Society convenes once a term and attracts high profile public figures from the world of business, economics and politics as visiting speakers.
We organise a ten-day trip during the October half-term. Past itineraries have included a visit to the US, focusing on key political, economic, and cultural institutions in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as a trip to China, with visits to Hong Kong, Beijing, and Shanghai, providing an enriching perspective on the region’s economic and business landscape
Business
The A Level Business course is a dynamic and forward-looking programme designed to equip pupils with the essential skills needed for navigating and even leading 21st-century organisations.
This subject offers a rich tapestry of content, covering a wide spectrum of issues ranging from strategic product positioning in the market to effective workforce management. The skills required are equally diverse, demanding students to be both expressive and numerate, capable of drawing conclusions from various types of data. Despite its academic nature, business is inherently practical, applied, and exhilarating. Ultimately, it instils crucial life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Grounded in the realities of the business world, the course extensively employs real-life case studies, challenging boys with questions about familiar businesses and products. For instance:
Should Marks and Spencer transition all operations online?
What drives the need for a PlayStation 5 when the PlayStation 4 exists?
Why does Virgin diversify its product offerings?
What motivates McDonald’s to include salads on its menu?
Why does Tonbridge School persist in providing single-sex education?
To excel in this subject, pupils engage in academic reviews contextualised through recognised business models like the product life cycle and the Boston Matrix, drawing inspiration from influential business thinkers such as Michael Porter.
Whether one aspires to an academic career, professional training, or entrepreneurship, A Level Business imparts the essential knowledge and skills. It caters to those who relish practical thinking, problem-solving, and, significantly, debate. In business, the goal is not to provide set answers but to cultivate the ability to evaluate a situation critically and articulate a well-justified opinion.
Economics
The economics corridor at Tonbridge School is dominated by a mural that chronicles economic, political, and business milestones since the era of Adam Smith. This piece was commissioned using the £10,000 prize awarded to Tonbridge for winning the Bank of England Target 2.0 competition.
The mural not only adds visual vibrancy but also mirrors the dynamism within the Department. Here, excellence is not only evident in robust academic achievements but also in the consistent success of pupils securing coveted spots at renowned universities. The Department further augments the learning experience through an exhilarating programme of trips and talks. The Extension Programme, conducted throughout the Lent and Summer Terms, goes beyond the confines of the A Level course. It features engaging talks such as ‘Will you have a job in twenty years’ time?’ and ‘The Economics of the Clothes Peg.’ A trip to China, visiting leading businesses such as HSBC and Huawei, provided boys with a real-life taste of what the subject has to offer.
Economics is significantly popular at Tonbridge. Self-motivated students aspiring for exceptional achievements are encouraged to participate in various external essay competitions. Recent competition titles have delved into thought-provoking topics like ‘To what extent is democracy either a requirement for or result of economic development?’ and ‘Is Universal Basic Income the best way to combat rising inequality?’ Choosing economics at Tonbridge opens doors to a vibrant academic environment, fostering critical thinking and real-world exploration.
Politics
Politics is a captivating and dynamic subject to study due to the perpetual evolution of the political landscape. Witnessing power ebb and flow between political parties, branches of government, and influential political figures adds a layer of excitement to the subject. At its core, politics delves into the grand institutions and offices within both the UK and US political spheres, encompassing Parliament and Congress, the Prime Minister and the President, and both Supreme Courts. While pupils delve into the history, functions, and powers of these bodies, the true joy lies in the analytical and discursive exploration of current political events.
Debate serves as the lifeblood of the Politics Department, actively encouraged to foster a deeper understanding of the subject. Pupils meticulously study the ideological foundations of major political parties, challenged to analyse events and ideas from diverse political perspectives. The Department boasts a vibrant Sixth Form political discussion group, student-led and open to any political issue. Furthermore, pupils engage with a diverse array of influential politicians and academics, both entertaining and enlightening.
Participation in a politics conference in London exposes students to a spectrum of speakers, including notable figures such as Chuka Umunna, Anna Soubry, Tristram Hunt, John Bercow, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Nick Clegg. Additional conferences at the British Library provide opportunities to learn from esteemed academics, US Senators, and Congressmen. Trips to Washington, New York, and the Houses of Parliament further enrich the learning experience.
The Department has consistently achieved strong examination results, with over one-third of pupils pursuing Politics-related degrees at university. Notably, government and politics students frequently submit entries to Oxbridge College prize essay competitions, with several receiving ‘highly commended’ recognition. The success extends to regular applications for prestigious courses such as PPE (Politics, Philosophy, and Economics), HSPS (Human, Social, and Political Sciences), and History and Politics at Oxbridge. Choosing politics at Tonbridge not only nurtures academic excellence but also instils a passion for critical analysis and informed debate.
Head of Department
