Business Studies

Curriculum Principles & Intent

GCSE Business introduces students to the dynamic world of business and enterprise, helping them understand how organisations start, operate, grow and respond to the challenges of an ever-changing world. The course explores key themes such as entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, finance, operations and external influences on business decision-making. Through real-life case studies and practical examples, students learn to apply business concepts to contemporary contexts, developing analytical, evaluative and problem-solving skills that prepare them for future study and the world of work.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire students to think commercially and creatively, encouraging them to make informed decisions and consider the ethical, environmental and social implications of business activity. We aim to develop confident, enterprising learners who can work independently and collaboratively to explore how businesses meet customer needs and create value. By the end of the course, students will have gained a strong foundation in business knowledge and transferable skills such as communication, critical thinking and data interpretation—equipping them for further study or employment in a range of sectors.

GCSE Business Specifications

GCSE Business

Exam Board: AQA

Aim of Course:

A GCSE in Business Studies equips students with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect decision-making. They develop their understanding of concepts, objectives and terminology, and the impact of contemporary issues on business operations.

Paper 1 - Influences of Operations and HRM on Business Activity

Business in the real world

Influences on business

Business operations

Human resources

Paper 2 - Influences of Marketing and Finance on Business Activity

Business in the real world

Influences on business

Marketing

Finance

Mode of Assessment:

Paper 1 - Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes. 90 marks. 50% of GCSE Questions
Paper 2 - Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes. 90 marks. 50% of GCSE Questions

Section A:multiple choice questions and short answer questions (20 marks)
Section B: One case study / data response stimuli with questions (approximately 34 marks)
Section C: One case study / data response stimuli with questions (approximately 36 marks)

Key Stage 5 BTEC Specifications

BTEC Extended Certificate in Business

Exam Board: Pearson

Level of Course: 3

Aim of Course:

This course will give an underlying in-depth knowledge of various Business topics in a genuine vocational context. It will develop transferable business skills including researching and selecting information, writing skills, working on your own as well as in teams, decision-making, problem solving, being creative, analytical and evaluative skills.

Course Content:

This course emphasises vocational, practical contexts with a range of areas to study. There are three mandatory units which are:

Exploring Business - Coursework
Developing a Marketing Campaign - Exam
Personal and Business Finance - Exam

There is one optional unit to study which would be one of the following and is a piece of coursework, developing an area of interest:

The English Legal System
Work Experience in Business
Recruitment and Selection
Customer Service
Market Research
Employment Law
Cost and Management Accounting

There may be opportunities to study two further units to claim the 1 ½ A Levels for students wishing to further expand their Business knowledge (the Foundation Diploma). These options can include event management, accounting, pitching and law. For some students, there is the opportunity to study the Double BTEC which is the equivalent of 2 A Levels. Under this qualification, student would also study International Business, a very topical subject in the current climate.

Mode of Assessment:

Students complete a series of tasks set in work-related scenarios which is tailored to local industry needs. Students complete, in controlled conditions, a task tackling an everyday challenge; some tasks also draw on pre-released information. There is also one externally assessed test to increase the rigour of the BTEC course.

Wider Reading List - Business & Enterprise Business Studies SoL