Business Studies

Curriculum Intent

The intent of our Business and Enterprise curriculum Is to inspire students to become future business leaders and entrepreneurs. Business Studies gives young people the skills and abilities to engage positively with the business world. The aim of the Business studies curriculum is to equip students with the appropriate knowledge and skills needed to develop their employability opportunities or to prepare for further studies.
Business Studies is important as all the knowledge and understanding whilst studying will impact on their further studies and working future. Students will also develop many transferable skills which will support them in their future.
Students will develop an understanding of business theory and how to put this into practice. Students will also develop knowledge of how internal and external influences on the success of businesses. Students will also develop an understanding of personal and business finance.
Students who undertake Business Studies as an option will be prepared to face their future with many transferable skills.

Business, Economics and Tourism Overview

Key Stage 4

Is this the right subject for me? If you enjoy:

  • Communicating and explaining your ideas.
  • Thinking creatively and making decisions.
  • Working with numbers to solve business problems.
  • Learning about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks.

…then the Business course is the right subject for you.

GCSE Business

Why choose GCSE Business? By studying GCSE Business, the specification introduces learners to the business world, empowering them to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals. The focus of the specification is to introduce and nurture an enthusiasm for studying business in a range of contexts.

Learners will appreciate how businesses operate in a dynamic and competitive environment and develop an understanding of the interdependent nature of business functions from a local to a global perspective.

There are no previous learning requirements for this specification. Any requirements set for entry to a course based on this specification are at the school/college’s discretion. This specification builds on subject content which is typically taught at key stage 3 and provides a suitable foundation for the study of Business at either AS or A level. In addition, the specification provides a coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study for learners who do not progress to further study in this subject.

What will I study? The content is presented in six clear and distinct topic areas:

  • Business activity
  • Influences on business 
  • Business operations 
  • Finance 
  • Marketing 
  • Human resources

Key Stage 5

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t studied business prior to taking this course. You might have an interest in business, and want to start your own business one day. You may have an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world around you, how businesses are set up, and what it is that makes someone a great entrepreneur. This course will help you to understand all this and more.

A Level

A-level Business Studies helps students develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value
be aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders acquire a range of skills including decision-making and problem-solving be aware of the current structure of business and business practice.

This four-unit specification requires students to develop their ability to acquire a range of important and transferable skills including data skills, presenting arguments, making judgments and conducting research. This course has no coursework or controlled assessment.

For further details, please see the A Level Business Student Handbook.

BTEC Extended Certificate

The Extended Certificate is a two year course that meets entry requirements in its own right for learners who want to progress to higher education courses in business areas before entering employment.
It can also support learners who want to progress directly to employment in job roles in business or business management and Higher Apprenticeships in the business sector. The BTEC National Extended Certificate in Business is equivalent to one A-Level. It is a varied course providing students with insight into many areas of Business. The course provides the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for learners to take into higher education or employment. The course consists of 4 units and is assessed through coursework, controlled assessment, and one external examination. 

Progression Pathway

Business Studies

Curriculum Overview

Business Curriculum Overview