Why do we learn business studies?
Preparing students for the ever-changing business environment is key to student development and their preparation for life after education whether it be University or a real alternative.
Student’s learning is regularly adapted to relate to the current environment, challenging students to apply theory to relevant organisations and real-time news. These learning environments allows students to be independent and team learners, and develop a sound understanding of the world we live in.
Head of Department
Leo Murphy
Our approach
As a department we encourage and drive students to achieve their potential through a broad and engaging curriculum. This enables students to develop enterprising and employability skills whilst exploring real world opportunities. Preparing students for the ever-changing business environment is key to student development and their preparation for life after education whether it be University or a real alternative. Student’s learning is regularly adapted to relate to the current environment, challenging students to apply theory to relevant organisations and real-time news.
We believe vocational skills are as equally important as academic results and so students are provided opportunities to develop both simultaneously. Both GCSE and BTEC Level 3 courses focus on building logical arguments for creating successful businesses and achieving specific Business or Economic decisions, based on knowledge and evidence from case studies or live business situations.
When students reach 6th form, the students are enrolled on the Professional Pathways course, an additional vocational focused award, in addition to the BTEC Level 3 course. A component of this award requires students to partake in extra-curricular sessions, run by industry professionals. These take place externally meaning students go on trips three times a year to network and continually develop interpersonal skills. The sessions are used to support students conceptualise theory and apply it to live case studies.
Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Explore how businesses operate |
Consider how market research helps a business to understand the market Investigate the use of the marketing mix |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Understand the costs involved in business and how businesses make a profit |
Understand how businesses plan for success |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
Understand how business measure success and identify areas for improvement |
Know how trends and the current business environment may impact on business |
Year 11
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Plan an idea for a business |
Present a business model for a business start-up |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Know about job roles and functional areas in business |
Produce documentation for specific job roles Demonstrate interview skills and plan career development. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| External exams | External exams |
Year 12
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Exploring Business Investigate how businesses are organised Examine the environment in which businesses operate |
Examine business markets Investigate the role and contribution of innovation and enterprise to business success Understand the importance of managing personal finance Explore the personal finance sector |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Introduction to the principles and purpose of marketing that underpin the creation of a rationale for a marketing campaign Understand the purpose of accounting Select and evaluate different sources of business finance |
Using information to develop the rationale for a marketing campaign 2C planning and developing a marketing campaign Break even and cashflow forecasts Complete staments of comprehensive income and financial position and evaluate a business's performance |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
Examine how effective recuitment and selction contribute to business success Undertake a recruitment and selection activity to demonstrate the processes leading to a successful job offer Reflect on the recruitment and selction processes and your individual performance Investigate opportunities of work- related learning Carry out work experience in an appropriate and safe manner |
Internal assessment |
Year 13
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
|
Explore the role of an eveet organiser Investigate the feasibility of a proposed event The defintions an functions of management Management and leadership styles and skills |
Develop a detailed pla for a business or social enterprise event Stage and manage a business or social enterprise event Managing human resources Factors influencing management, motivation and performance of the workforce |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Refelect on the running of the event and evaluate own skills development Impact of change Quality management |
Explore the international context for business operations Investigate the international economic environment in which business operates |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
|
Investigate the external factors that influence international businesses Investigate the cultural factors that influence international businesses Examine strategic and operational approaches to develop international trade |
Internal assessment |