The Course – Why choose Business Studies?

GCSE Business Studies is a dynamic, interesting and challenging course.  It is completely relevant to the world in which we live today, providing students with realistic learning experiences which they will carry on into life.

GCSE Business Studies makes a positive contribution to developing young people as individuals and participants in society, the economy and the environment.

The course will help learners develop:

  • A lifelong interest in and enjoyment of business subjects, being inspired, moved and changed by a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study
  • An enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts and opinions, to build arguments and make informed judgements
  • An understanding of the changing use of ICT in business and economic activities
  • An understanding of the use of relevant terms, concepts and methods to describe business and economic behaviour effectively
  • Their abilities as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
  • Knowledge, understanding and skills to help them understand current events and provide a basis for their future role as active citizens and for possible further study of business

 

Entry Requirements

Students should have developed competence in Literacy, Numeracy and ICT.

 

Progression

This course provides a sound basis of business knowledge for further study at:

  • A Level Business Studies
  • Vocational Advanced Business
  • Employment

 

Course Design (Business Studies)

Students will study two units:

  1. Unit 1 – Business Start Up
  2. Unit 2 - Business Development

 

CONTENT

Year 11 – Unit 1 Business Start Up

Year 12 – Unit 2 Business Development

Starting Up

  • Business Ownership
  • Sources of Finance
  • Mission Statement/Business Aims
  • Stakeholders
  • Customers
  • Resources of Business
  • Entrepreneurs

 

Production

  • Types and Methods of Production
  • Quality Assurance
  • Health and Safety

 

Marketing

  • Market Research
  • Marketing Mix

Finance

  • Cash Flow Forecasts
  • Ratios
  • Break-Even

 

Managing and Developing People

  • Recruitment
  • Selection
  • Training
  • Motivation
  • Appraisal

 

Business Growth

  • International Business
  • E-Commerce

 

Business Plan

ASSESSMENT

 

Key Features

  • Assessment is unitised, meaning it takes place at the end of each year of the two years of study
  • One tier of entry
  • Grade range A* - G

 

Year 11 – Unit 1

External examination

Worth 35% of the final GCSE grade

Duration

1 hour 20 minutes

Year 12 – unit 2

External examination

Worth 40% of the final GCSE grade

Duration

1 hour 40 minutes

Controlled Assessment

Teacher supported and assessed

Worth 25% of the final GCSE grade

CAREER PROGRESSION

Business Studies is a vocationally relevant course and as a result links to a broad range of career areas.  Industries as diverse as chemicals, utilities, fashion, health, grocery and construction all require functional managers with a clear understanding of systems, efficiency and operational issues. 

Jobs related to Business Studies include: Banking and Finance, Chartered Accountancy, Human Resources, Logistics and Distribution Management, Marketing Consultancy, Marketing, Retailing, Sales