STYLE OF ASSESSMENT
The course will be assessed at the end of Year 11 through two equally-weighted written examinations. Both papers will consist of calculations, multiple–choice, short–answer and extended–writing questions. Students will be expected to have developed a secure understanding of a range of business theory and concepts to be able to discuss within extended-writing questions.
OVERVIEW OF COURSE
This challenging new specification is structured into two themes, taking students from how entrepreneurs start businesses (Theme 1) through to growing and global businesses (Theme 2).
Theme 1 topics include: enterprise and entrepreneurship, spotting a business opportunity, putting a business idea into practice, Making the business effective and understanding external influences on business.
Theme 2 topics include: growing the business, making marketing decisions, making product decisions, making financial decisions and making human resource decisions
LEARNER REQUIREMENTS
A successful GCSE Business student will already have a keen and curious interest in how businesses operate. You must be a motivated individual who is keen to work with others in paired and group work. You will have a genuine interest in following the news on a weekly basis in order to apply our theory to current business issues - this is a basic expectation. Programmes like Supershoppers, BBC Panorama, The Apprentice and Dragon’s Den are regularly viewed and reflected upon.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Annual visits include Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull to tour the factory and gain a deep understanding of the basic day-to-day operations of a global car manufacturer.
We take part every September in the National Coca-Cola Challenge during lessons with one entry submitted per class. Students also have the opportunity to take part in Tycoon for Schools enterprise challenge as well as attend visitor workshops organised during lesson time.
FURTHER STUDY AND CAREER CONNECTIONS
GCSE Business students usually continue on to study A-Level Business Studies or BTEC Level 3 if they wish to follow a vocational route. New apprenticeship programmes are readily becoming available for those wishing to learn whilst working. Both university degree courses and advanced apprenticeships are popular options post-18 with degrees in a wide variety of Business-related routes including accountancy, marketing and international business management.
