Head of Department: Mr G King

 

Business Studies Curriculum Overview

Business studies is offered as an option at key stages 4 & 5. Business is a dynamic subject. Before you can make money in business you need to understand how business works! Even if you haven’t previously studied business, as shoppers, savers, or workers you will already know a lot about how the economy works. In the news every day you hear about new products being launched, firms being taken-over or closing down, unemployment, inflation, interest rates, the exchange rate, the stock market, Brexit, tariffs and a wide range of other subjects.

At key stage 4 we offer a choice of GCSE business or a BTEC in Enterprise. At key stage 5 we offer A-Level business.

The GCSE and BTEC curricula provide students with the opportunity to explore real business issues and how businesses work, whilst the A Level curriculum is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society, such as digital technology, business ethics and globalisation, allowing students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions; all skills that are needed for further study and employment.

Both GCSE and A Level courses are linear and are assessed through written exams at the end of the two-year period of study. The BTEC is assessed through two pieces of coursework submitted during the course followed by a final exam in the summer of year 11. Students must be prepared to carry out a lot of independent research and be well organised to meet coursework deadlines.