Business Studies

Curriculum Intent

Business studies is a rich and varied subject that prepares students for all aspects of working life. No matter what industry students will eventually find themselves in after their learning journey, they will need to work successfully and understand the nature of working in an organisation with other people and clear objectives. An understanding of business and economics gives people a knowledge of how the local, national and global economy works.  This has become increasingly important in the modern world and the ability to analyse economic issues, problems and institutions that affect everyday life more and more crucial.   Business Studies opens up many options for students at Sixth Form and then university, and there are many courses available with permutations of Business/Management/Administration/ Accounting and Finance. Business and Management graduates typically progress to careers in areas such as business development, marketing, finance and commerce.  

Overview by Key Stage:

Key Stage 4

We offer a varied and challenging curriculum within Key Stage 4 and ensure that the needs of all students are catered for with the breadth and depth of business theory the course covers.

The Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Business course gives students an opportunity to know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society. You will be given the opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts.

The course is assessed through two papers sat at the end of Year 11. Paper 1: Investigating a small business (50%, 90 marks) and Paper 2: Building a business (50%, 90 marks).

Topics include: Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, spotting a business opportunity, putting a business idea into practice, growing a business, making marketing decisions and making financial decision to name a few.

Key Stage 5

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business is an Applied General qualification. It is for post-16 learners who want to continue their education through applied learning and who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment in the business sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to provide a coherent introduction to study of the business sector.

The content of this qualification has been developed in consultation with academics to ensure that it supports progression to higher education. Employers and professional bodies have been involved and consulted in order to confirm that the content is appropriate and consistent with current practice for learners planning to enter employment directly in the business sector.

The learning programme covers the following content areas:

• business environments

• finance

• marketing.

The optional unit has been designed to support choices in progression to business courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas. We have chosen to select the unit which allows students to plan for, experience and reflect upon some time spent in a working environment.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses if taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two year programme of learning. It will support entry to many higher education courses, depending on the other qualification’s learners have taken. Learners should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes at specific higher education providers.

The qualification can also support progression to employment directly, or via an Apprenticeship.

Overview by Key Stage:

RSE Overview

We offer a varied and challenging curriculum within Key Stage 4 and ensure that the needs of all students are catered for with the breadth and depth of business theory the course covers.

The Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Business course gives students an opportunity to know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society. You will be given the opportunity to apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts.

The course is assessed through two papers sat at the end of Year 11. Paper 1: Investigating a small business (50%, 90 marks) and Paper 2: Building a business (50%, 90 marks).

Topics include: Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, spotting a business opportunity, putting a business idea into practice, growing a business, making marketing decisions and making financial decision to name a few.

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