Secondary Curriculum
Business Studies
Why study Business Studies?
Throughout this course you will learn the bigger picture of business. You will develop your knowledge of key concepts of business, business terminology, business objectives as well as local, national, and international businesses and how to apply, analyse and evaluate these using your literacy skill to read and deduct from given evidence. You will develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data.
How will I study Business Studies?
This qualification gives learners the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge and skills in a practical learning environment. The focus is on the knowledge, understanding and skills required to research, plan, pitch and review an enterprise idea that includes:
- Development of key skills that prove aptitude in planning an enterprise activity, including market research, planning, carrying out financial transactions, communication and problem solving.
- Knowledge that underpins effective use of skills, such as the features and characteristics of enterprises and entrepreneurs, and the internal and external factors that can affect the performance of an enterprise
- Apply knowledge and understanding to different business contexts. These include businesses ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts
develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour - Use business terminology to identify and explain business activity
- Apply business concepts to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
What will I study at key stage 4?
The Business studies course provides learners with an engaging and stimulating introduction to the world of business. Learners will develop fundamental knowledge and understanding of researching, planning for, pitching, and reviewing a business. Learners will develop technical skills such as market research, planning, promotion, and finance.
Assessment at Key Stage 4
Business Studies (Edexcel)
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Paper 1 – Theme 1 – Written examinations: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 50% of the qualification – 90 marks | Theme 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business |
| Overview | Focus |
|---|---|
| Paper 2 – Theme 2 – Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes – 50% of the qualification | Theme 2 examines 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. Theme 2 also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows |
Enrichment
The department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and pupils are able to use the school’s state-of-the-art IT facilities. Pupils are able to take part in representing the school to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge, such as young enterprise days and fundraising events.
What can I do after completing this course?
Pupils can pursue an A Level course in Business. Students can progress from this qualification to several different academic and vocational qualifications at Level 3.
Careers
GCSE Business provides a strong foundation for employment, with students progressing, with further training in a wide range of careers such as banking, sales, product management and general management.