GCSE/Key Stage 4 Business Studies
Aims
This subject is an exciting and popular taught subject in many schools. It helps to equip pupils with the necessary skills required to think like a business person. It is aimed at helping pupils to understand the process from starting up as a small business to building the small business into a successful enterprise. GCSE qualifications in business subjects should encourage students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight into related sectors. The GCSE prepares students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
GCSE qualifications in business enables students to:
- actively engage in the study of business and economics to develop as effective and independent students and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds
- use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts and opinions, to build arguments and make informed judgements
- develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to contemporary issues in a range of local, national and global contexts
- appreciate the range of perspectives of different stakeholders in relation to business and economic activities
- consider the extent to which business and economic activity can be ethical and sustainable.
Curriculum
Business Studies is taught at Years 10 and 11. In Year 10, students study the following topics: Spotting a business opportunity, Showing enterprise, Putting a business idea into practice, Making the start-up for a business effective and The economic context within a business. At Year 11 level, the syllabus is enhanced further and students learn about the following main topics: Marketing, Meeting customer needs, Effective financial management, Effective people management and The wider world affecting business.
Assessment
In addition to ongoing assessment, end of topic tests are regularly conducted as well as End of term tests, to regularly monitor the progress of the pupils.
