Business
BackKS4 Business Grade Descriptors
The world of business is increasingly dynamic but yet more relevant than ever to our pupils today. The credit crunch, Brexit, innovation, entrepreneurship, ethical practices around the world and the increasing pace of globalisation are all key issues that are frequently at the forefront of the news.
Business Studies aims to introduce pupils to the fundamentals of business; how they should be run and managed effectively, as well as looking at real life challenges which they face. As consumers of today and drivers of business in the future, it is important for pupils to understand the role that individuals and organisations play in the success of their national economy as well as on a wider, global scale.
GCSE Business Studies
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Subject Contact: Mr M McFadden
Course Outline
Theme 1: Investigating small business (Written examination, 50% of the qualification)
Students will begin to understand the dynamic nature of business and the role enterprise plays in developing
a strong economy. Students will study how firms satisfy customers, how they deal with the competitive
environments in which they work and how technology now heavily shapes the strategies which they
implement. There is a strong emphasis on the use of numerical skills in order to calculate key data for firms
such as revenues, costs, profits, cash flow forecasts, interest and the creation and calculations related to break
even diagrams.
Theme 2: Building a business (Written examination, 50% of the qualification)
Students will examine how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business
concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations,
finance and human resources. It also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business
makes as it grows. In this theme, students will be introduced to national and global business contexts and
will develop an understanding of how these contexts impact business behaviour and decisions.
Assessment
Theme 1: Investigating small business
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of the qualification
The paper is made up of 90 marks which includes calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions.
Theme 2: Building a business
Written examination: 1 hour and 45 minutes 50% of the qualification
The paper will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions.
Career Progression
Career Progression
The study of Business can be helpful in many careers such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and
tourism industry. Pupils will gain an understanding of how businesses operate and are organised. It can lead
to further study at university, or directly onto school leaver programmes at international accountancy and
consultancy firms. The course promotes the skills of decision making, creativity, problem solving, analysis
and evaluation, interpreting data, communication and independent and team work.
This chosen GCSE curriculum is one that has been designed as an inspiring and engaging subject which reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving business environment. This subject will enable students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals and helps them to succeed in their chosen pathway.
In years 10 & 11, students study the syllabus according to Edexcel Business Studies (9-1). Content is spread over two key themes:
Theme 1: Investigating Small Businesses
Enterprise and entrepreneurship
Spotting a business opportunityPutting a business idea into practiceMaking the business effectiveUnderstanding external influences on business
Theme 2: Building a Business
Making marketing decisionsMaking operational decisions
Making financial decisionsMaking human resource decisions
For further information regarding the specification and example exams please follow the link:
A Level Business
Business A-Level
The overall aim is to encourage candidates to develop a critical understanding of how businesses operate on a day to day basis; the context in which they operate; the markets and customers they serve, and the process of adding value. Also studied is an appreciation of the external environment within which businesses operate and the effects this can have upon decision-making within a business; and to achieve this by enabling students to take a problem solving approach.
Theme 1 – Marketing and People
Theme 2 – Managing Business Activities
Theme 3 – Business Decisions and Strategy
Theme 4 – Global Business
Learning Methods and Assessment
Theories and real life examples are explored in lessons. Students are frequently asked to lead the lesson on certain topics that are covered, either via teaching their peers independently or in a group situation. Assessments are completed both in class and as part of home learning activities. These take the form of simple multiple choice questions, data response questions as well as essay questions. Whole class, peer and self-assessment also enables students to become familiar with the examination expectations by the end of the two years.
Paper 1 Comprising of short answer data response questions & essay questions from Theme 1 and 4
33.3% of A-Level
Paper 2 Comprising of short answer data response questions from Theme 2 and 3
33.3% of A-Level
Paper 3 Comprising of short answer data response questions and essay questions from all the themes
33.3% of A-Level
Expectations of Students
Students will organise their work to meet homework and exam preparation deadlines. It is essential to be actively aware of news within business and the wider economics environment, which is in constant discussion in class. Topical discussions are student led and take place every week.
Careers Prospects
A-Level Business Studies is a gateway to a fantastic career anywhere in the business world. The course content is dynamic, engaging and adopts a holistic approach to the subject. A key focus of the course is on strategic decision making of firms throughout all functional areas of business. A – Level Business Studies can lay excellent foundations for students who want to enter into careers in Accounting & Finance, Marketing, Law, International Business, Human Resources, as well as many others.
For more information contact Mr G Merrigan
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Entry Requirements
Grade 5 or above in GCSE Business Studies. APS 5+
Cambridge Technical in Business (Level 3 Extended Certificate)
Please note that this course is available as an Extended Certificate, equivalent to one A-Level.
This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to develop the core specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required in the business sector through applied learning. They will gain an understanding of the wider external contexts in which businesses operate and of internal business functions and their interdependencies.
The course will also enable students to appreciate how vital customers are to the success of a business,
developing their understanding of how important it is for businesses to know their customers and what
influences customer behaviour.
They will also gain an insight into some of the critical skills needed when working in business, such as organisation, prioritisation and effective communication.
Modules studied include:
- The business environment
- Working in business
- Customers and communication
- Marketing
- Responsible Business Practices
Learning Methods and Assessment
Teaching and learning methods used will vary dependent on the unit of study being taught; some units will require students to use a variety of research tools to complete their assignments. Delivery of presentations and role plays will also demonstrate students understanding of the course content, and will contribute to overall grades for internally assessed units.
Students will be assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed exams. Every unit achieved will be graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction. Students must achieve at least a Pass for every unit to be awarded the qualification they have entered for. Qualifications are graded using a Pass, Merit, Distinction and Distinction* structure.
Expectations of Students
Students are expected to have a proactive, responsible approach to this course which is enjoyable but challenging. Whilst being directed by their teacher, students will be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent learning. They will need good self discipline in order to keep to strict coursework deadlines.
Careers Prospects
This, combined with other qualifications, will provide learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding to progress into Higher Education (HE) on a business-related programme such as Business, Business Management, Marketing, Business and Finance, Business and Economics and Accounting. It will also allow them to choose non-business related degree programmes or take them into employment where they would continue to study.
For more information contact Mr M McFadden
Awarding Body: OCR
Entry Requirements
Grade 4 or above in English Language. APS 4+