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Course Description 

Our GCSE students study Edexcel GCSE Business Studies. This specification gives students the opportunity to explore real business issues and how businesses work. A relevant and diverse specification, students will consider the practical application of business concepts. The units provide opportunities to explore theories and concepts in the most relevant way, through the context of events in the business and economic world.

In Year 10, students will study and investigate small businesses, exploring areas such as enterprise, how to make a business effective and the external influences that affect businesses

In Year 11, students will look at how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources.

Our expectations

We expect students to participate fully in lessons by working together and being prepared to present in front of the class.  It is also important that students read around the subject of Business through reading the news stories about the world of business and by watching and listening to news broadcasts.

Students are expected to attempt one written homework on a weekly basis.

Key Stage 4

Edexcel GCSE: 

Pearson

The course is split into two main themes: Theme 1 – ‘Investigating Small Businesses’ and Theme 2 – ‘Building A Business’.

While studying the two themes of this course students will be introduced to the world of small businesses and will look at what makes someone a successful business person. They will find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity, and turn that into a successful business. Students will understand how to make a business effective and manage money. They will also see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.

ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS

Theme 1 (50%) Theme 2 (50%)

Examination
The questions will be a mixture of multiple choice,

data response, short-answer, extended-writing and

scenario-based questions

Examination
The questions will be a mixture of multiple choice,

data response, short-answer, extended-writing and

scenario-based questions

Main activities

All students must sit a half termly unit test that will be knowledge based accompanied by 3, 6- and 9-mark questions.  Within the teaching unit students will practise skills in structuring exam questions and these will be assessed as part of homework and/or classwork.

Every half term students will complete an Enhancement Activity which will involve a mini investigation/ scenario and may be accompanied by a short presentation task as part of small group that will be assessed.

Why you should consider this subject for GCSE

Students should consider Business Studies if they are confident in communicating and explaining their ideas, thinking creatively and making decisions, working with numbers to solve business problems and, learning about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks.

Future Careers

The GCSE business course can help you prepare for further and higher education such as AS/A2 Levels and BTEC courses.  Students will become skilled in making decisions, being creative, solving problems, understanding finance, dealing with data, communicating and working as part of a team.  A GCSE Business course could lead to work in a business-related profession such as accountancy, law, marketing or the leisure and tourism industry.

Key Stage 4 Overview

Topic Content

Theme 1: Investigating a small business

Theme 2: Building a business

1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship

2.1 Growing the business

1.2 Spotting a business opportunity

2.2 Making marketing decisions

1.3 Putting a business idea into practice

2.3 Making operational decisions

1.4 Making the business effective

2.4 Making financial decisions

1.5 Understanding external influences on business

2.5 Making human resource decisions

Useful Links

KS4

Edexcel GCSE: 

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/business-2017.html

Homework

Students are set a range of activities often application tasks based on their learning for the week, usually in the form of an extended answer question. Homework is one hour per week.

Why Study

The GCSE Business course is an introductory course to studying Business and is ideal for any student who; wants a good understanding of how businesses work, is intending to study any business subject in the future, wishes to understand how to make a success of their future career in business, who might be thinking of setting up their own business.

GCSE Business looks to give students an understanding of a wide range of ideas, theories and skills that are essential for any business to succeed, with particular focus on small businesses and business startups.

Careers

Students could go on to study Business A Level and a wide variety of University Business degrees. The ability to analyse and evaluate quantitative and qualitative information is an excellent skill set for a wide variety of professions, including marketing, sales, finance and accounting, human resources and operational logistics, as well as for future entrepreneurs.