Business Studies
Head of Department: Mr M. Caceres
Students have the opportunity to select Business as one of their GCSE subjects, studying the course throughout years 9, 10 and 11.
The Business Department offers students a chance to learn and get involved in the dynamic nature of the business environment. Our courses are taught by experienced teachers with years of examiner training and a firm grasp of the requirements demanded by the exam boards. We pride ourselves on bringing the real world into the classroom as well as ensuring all of our students have access to numerous partner businesses to develop a full understanding of the workings of business.
The department organises a range of activities and trips which enable students to gain a better understanding of the topics being taught, and to see the theory in action. Students are also involved in a number of internal and external competitions, allowing students to put their lessons into action, and even run their own small businesses.
Key Stage 4
Students will follow the Edexcel GCSE Business course, covering the key business concepts, issues, skills and decisions related to two broad themes; investigating small business, and building a business.
This course will enable students to:
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Look at the impact of business on individuals and wider society.
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Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think creatively to demonstrate business acumen.
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Develop as an independent student, and as a critical and reflective thinker with an enquiring mind.
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Investigate and analyse real business opportunities.
The course will start by exploring the world of small businesses through the lens of an entrepreneur. How and why do business ideas come about? What makes a successful business? Students will learn how to develop an idea, spot an opportunity and turn it into a successful business, and develop and understanding of how to make a business effective, manage money and see how the world around us affects businesses and all the people involved.
In year 9 students will study topics such as enterprise and entrepreneurship, identifying business opportunity, basic practical foundations of a business, making the business effective, and understanding external influences.
Year 10 topics will include; deeper understanding of external influences on business, growing a business, making marketing decisions, and making project decisions.
After building a solid foundation in business and the related terminology, students will progress to investigating business growth. How does a business develop beyond the start-up phase? Year 11 students will learn about key business concepts and issues and decisions you need to make when growing a business and working in a global business; meeting customer needs, making marketing, operational, financial and human resourcing decisions, and exploring how the wider world impacts the business as it grows.
For a more detailed explanation of the GCSE course and assessment format please click here.
For a more detailed breakdown of topics covered in each term please see the relevant year group’s Curriculum Booklet in the Student area of our website.
Currently, we are following a three-year Key Stage 4 but from September 2022 we will be condensing it to a two-year Key Stage 4.