Business Studies
Head of Department: Mr E. Dixon
Students have the opportunity to select Business as one of their GCSE subjects, studying the course throughout years 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 OCR GCSE Business course, covering the key business concepts, issues, skills and decisions related to two broad themes:
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Business activity, Marketing and People
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Operations, Finance and Influences on 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 starts in year 10. Students begin by exploring the world of small businesses through the lens of an entrepreneur. Students will learn how entrepreneurs spot a business opportunity, develop an idea and turn it into a successful business. In doing this, students will also learn about business planning, business ownership structures, aims and objectives, stakeholders and business growth
After building a solid foundation in business and the related terminology, students will progress to learning about the functional areas of a business: Marketing (Year 10), Human Resources (Year 10). Marketing focuses on anticipating, identifying and satisfying customer needs whereas Human Resources focuses on workforce planning, organisational structures, ways of working, communication in business, recruitment, training and employment law.
In year 11 the students learn about the two remaining functional areas within a business: Operations and Finance. Operations focuses on production methods, consumer law and working with suppliers, whereas, Finance focuses on ways businesses raise finance, calculating profit / loss, carry out cash flow forecasting and break-even analysis.
The course finishes with students learning about the external environment. Students will investigate questions such as; How do ethical and environmental factors influence business activity? How has globalisation affected business activity? What is meant by the economic environment?
At the end of the course, the students learn about the interdependent nature of business and how, frequently, business decisions affect all areas within a business
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.