Business

At KS4 Business is offered as an option to all pupils. The Business curriculum is designed to give students an insight into how different businesses operate. It gives pupils the opportunity to build a basic understanding before continuing with the subject in further education and building a love that could lead to pupils striving to one day own their own business, which would ultimately positively affect the economy and the society of which they live. Business is one of the most studied subjects at A Level, and our curriculum is created with this in mind. The curriculum is built with activities to develop a love of the subject to allow pupils to consider the possibility of continuing with Business into higher education and see it is a viable career path.

The specification content covers two themes; Theme 1 – Investigating Small Business and Theme 2 - Building a Business. These two themes are used to guide the curriculum planning for all year groups at KS4. Wherever possible relevant news stories are discussed during lesson time to link learning to the wider world. This also ensures that pupils improve their cultural capital and access news stories that they may not have access to otherwise. The Business specialists within the team are able to utilise their subject knowledge and tailor the curriculum to staff’s skillset which ensure that the curriculum is planned to include high engagement throughout to maximise pupil’s learning enjoyment.

Curriculum Aims

We want to inspire our students to become the next generation of socially responsible entrepreneurs. Through the study of GCSE Business, our young people will gain an insight into the world of work and enterprise. Students discover how a range of businesses operate, from start-ups to multinationals, studying the key elements of business administration through a carefully sequenced two-year curriculum. We aim to foster understanding of fundamental business concepts and develop transferable skills. In lessons, we encourage students to apply their business knowledge in order to solve problems creatively, analyse complex issues thoughtfully and evaluate opportunities effectively, helping to prepare them for their next steps in education, employment or training. We want students to understand how their learning in business will empower them to be successful in their future career – whatever that may be.

KS4 Qualifications

Edexcel Business 9-1

Year 9

Pupils will study Theme 1 and will focus on the following topics:

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
• Spotting a business opportunity
• Putting a business idea into practice
• Making the business effective
• Understanding external influences

Year 10

Pupils will study Theme 1 and will focus on the following topics:

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
• Spotting a business opportunity
• Putting a business idea into practice
• Making the business effective
• Understanding external influences

Year 11

Pupils will study Theme 2 and will focus on the following topics:

• Growing the business
• Making marketing decisions
• Making operational decisions
• Making financial decisions
• Making human resource decisions

Assessment

Year 9

P2S1 – Pupils will complete a 1 hour assessment covering past examination GCSE questions on the topics they have covered so far.

P2S2 - Pupils will complete a 1 hour 30 minutes assessment examination past GCSE paper. (BS01).

Year 10

P2S1 – Pupils will complete a 1 hour 30 minutes assessment

This assessment is 50% of their GCSE, therefore pupils will be expected to achieve around half of their target grade overall.

P2S2 - Pupils will complete a BS01 and BS02 (2 x 90 minutes) examination papers. This will ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to hit their target grade. It is expected that pupils will hit their target grade.

Year 11

MOCK/P2S1 – Pupils will complete a BS01 and BS02 (2 x 90 minutes) examination papers. This will ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to hit their target grade. It is expected that pupils will hit their target grade/be working one below their target grade.

P2S2 - Pupils will complete a BS01 and BS02 (2 x 90 minutes) examination papers. This will ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to hit their target grade. It is expected that pupils will hit their target grade.