Business
Business is a living subject and we don't only teach theory from the book, we teach it from real life. Teaching filled with up to date business knowledge and weekly article lessons where pupils are encouraged to bring in news events that link to areas they are studying all help pupils see how to relate to the world around them.
Business covers a broad range of topics which will help students to better understand what the subject is about through exploring: marketing, finance, operations, human resources as well as external influences such as politics, technology and economics.
The course aims to give students an understanding of the dynamics of business activity whilst continually relating the theory to business examples and current affairs.
GCSE Years 10 & 11
What will I learn?
What is your favourite advert of all time? What are the reasons you remember it? Did you then purchase that product or service?
During this course, you will build an understanding of why that advert was effective. In addition, you will develop an understanding of how marketing links to finance, operations and employees. Students will learn to apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. Students will learn to develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour.
How is the course structured and assessed?
This GCSE is assessed through two papers which last for 1 hour 45 minutes. Questions vary from multiple choice, short written answers and calculations to full analytical and evaluative essays. There is no Controlled Assessment or Coursework.
Topics covered include:
- Operations
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Finance
Previous examinations have structured the topics as follows:
- Paper 1: Business in the Real World, Influences on Business, Operations, Human Resources.
- Paper 2: Business in the Real World, Influences on Business, Marketing and Finance.
A Level Years 12 & 13
Business delves into the various ways businesses are organised internally; building an understanding of the core functions: Finance, Marketing, Operations and Human Resources. In addition, the external pressures business may face are also explored so students understand how social, legal, economic, political, technological, competition and ethical changes influence decision making.
What do I need before starting this course?
No prior knowledge is required but you will need a minimum of Level 5 in GCSE Maths as well as the ability to perform well in essay-based subjects. GCSE Business is not essential but you will be expected to display an interest in both business and current affairs.
What will I learn?
You will develop an understanding of how businesses function, alongside improving your numerical, communication, problem-solving, and analytical skills. You will learn to deploy these skills whilst considering the challenges and opportunities businesses face.
How is the course assessed?
You will sit three, two hour written exams at the end of the course. These will include numerical questions as well as shorter and extended essays.
- Paper 1 Consists of a combination of multiple-choice, short answer and essay questions.
- Paper 2 Consists of multiple data response scenarios.
- Paper 3 Consists of an unseen business case study.
Where Business Studies Takes You
Many of our students go on to study Business related courses at a variety of universities across the UK.