Aims
Business Studies aims to provide the opportunity for learning, exploring the world of business and its role in society, using the local community as a resource. Students learn to understand business activities, to select and sort out relevant information, to make decisions based on evidence, and to use ‘business’ methods of communication. This course aims to inspire and challenge students by following a broad and satisfying course of study. Business Studies is always a popular subject with our students here at our Sir Harry Smith. In Years 10 and 11 in Business Studies students work towards gaining one single GCSE.
Years 10-11
GCSE Business – Edexcel
Theme 1: Investigating small business
Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 90 marks
Content overview
- Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity
- Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice
- Topic 1.4 Making the business effective
- Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business
Assessment overview
The paper is divided into three sections: Section A: 35 marks Section B: 30 marks Section C: 25 marks. The paper will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions. Questions in Sections B and C will be based on business contexts given in the paper.
Theme 2: Building a business
Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 90 marks
Content overview
- Topic 2.1 Growing the business
- Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions
- Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions
- Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions
- Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions
Assessment overview
The paper is divided into three sections: Section A: 35 marks Section B: 30 marks Section C: 25 marks. The paper will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions. Questions in Sections B and C will be based on business contexts given in the paper.
Sixth Form
Theme 1: Marketing and people
- meeting customer needs
- the market
- marketing mix and strategy
- managing people
- entrepreneurs and leaders.
Theme 2: Managing business activities
- raising finance
- financial planning
- managing finance
- resource management
- external influences.
Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy This theme
develops the concepts introduced in Theme 2.
- 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.
- globalisation
- global markets and business expansion
- global marketing
- global industries and companies
How will you be assessed?
Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses: 2 hours
35% of the total qualification Overview of content Paper 1 will assess marketing, people and global businesses. Questions will be drawn from Themes 1 and 4, and from local, national and global contexts
Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy 2 hours
35% of the total qualification Overview of content Paper 2 will assess business finance and operations, business decisions and strategy. Questions will be drawn from Themes 2 and 3, and from local, national and global contexts.
Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment: 2hours
30% of the total qualification Overview of content Paper 3 will assess content across all four themes. Questions will be drawn from local, national and global contexts, using a pre-release case study.
Additional Information
There is no requirement at GCSE for students to have studied Business Studies in the previous Key Stage. However, candidates need to have developed competence in literacy and numeracy to enable them to undertake the subject successfully.
Business Studies offers numerous opportunities for progression at Post 16 and into Higher Education, with academic and vocational options available as well as allowing students to gain valuable insights into the working environment.
Many students go on to study Business further at A Level and on to University where they specialise in many areas such as Marketing, Accountancy, Human Resources and Business Management. Some students go straight into an apprenticeship or a business where they learn and develop key skills on the job.
Links to useful resources: