Business

Back

KS4 Business Grade Descriptors

The world of business is increasingly dynamic but yet more relevant than ever to our pupils today. The credit crunch, Brexit, innovation, entrepreneurship, ethical practices around the world and the increasing pace of globalisation are all key issues that are frequently at the forefront of the news.

Business Studies aims to introduce pupils to the fundamentals of business; how they should be run and managed effectively, as well as looking at real life challenges which they face. As consumers of today and drivers of business in the future, it is important for pupils to understand the role that individuals and organisations play in the success of their national economy as well as on a wider, global scale.

GCSE Business Studies

This chosen GCSE curriculum is one that has been designed as an inspiring and engaging subject which reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving business environment. This subject will enable students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals and helps them to succeed in their chosen pathway.

In years 10 & 11, students study the syllabus according to Edexcel Business Studies (9-1). Content is spread over two key themes:

Theme 1: Investigating Small Businesses

Enterprise and entrepreneurship

Spotting a business opportunityPutting a business idea into practiceMaking the business effectiveUnderstanding external influences on business

Theme 2: Building a Business

Growing the business

Making marketing decisionsMaking operational decisions

Making financial decisionsMaking human resource decisions

Both themes are equally weighted and are assessed via two exams. Each paper is 1 ½ hours long and consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions. There is no coursework element to the course.

For further information regarding the specification and example exams please follow the link:

Pearsons Edexcel GCSE Business

A Level Business

Theme 1 – Marketing & People

Students will develop an understanding of:

  • meeting customer needs
  • the market
  • marketing mix and strategy
  • managing people
  • entrepreneurs and leaders.
Theme 2 – Managing Business Activities

Students will develop an understanding of:

  • raising finance
  • financial planning
  • managing finance
  • resource management
  • external influences
Theme 3 – Business Decisions & Strategy

This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 2. Students will develop an understanding of:

  • business objectives and strategy
  • business growth
  • decision-making techniques
  • influences on business decisions
  • assessing competitiveness
  • managing change.
Theme 4 – Global Business

This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 1. Students will develop an understanding of:

  • globalisation
  • global markets and business expansion
  • global marketing
  • global industries and companies (multinational corporations).
Cambridge Technical in Business (Level 3 Extended Certificate)

Our Technicals qualifications in Business develops students’ core skills and understanding of the requirement of the business sector. Students gain hands-on experience and have the opportunity to focus on specific topics such as human resources, marketing, accounting and business planning. This subject will enable students to understand the challenges they’ll face in employment or Higher Education as well understand the ever changing needs of the business sector. There is a strong focus in this subject on building students’ skills, knowledge and understanding that today’s universities and employers demand.

Students in Year 12 & 13 study the syllabus according to the Cambridge Technical in Business (Level 3 Extended Certificate). Students will study a combination of the below 5 units, 3 of which are mandatory. Two of these units will be assessed by an external exam while the other 3 will be assessed internally via coursework submission.

Unit 1: The Business Environment (External Exam)

Unit 2: Working in Business (External Exam)

Unit 4: Customers and Communication (Internally assessed coursework)

Unit 5: Marketing and Market Research (Internally assessed coursework)

Unit 8: Introduction to Human Resources (Internally assessed coursework)

For further information regarding the specification please follow the link:

OCR Centre Handbook Certificates