Business Studies

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Introduction

Business Studies offers students the chance to cultivate a diverse set of transferable skills. They will develop expertise in decision-making, creativity, problem-solving, financial literacy, data analysis, and teamwork. Beyond acquiring business knowledge and understanding, students will apply what they learn through engaging in various business-related activities and projects. This subject also provides a deeper understanding of the world and fosters greater awareness of global issues and events.

Our expectations:

Students should have an appreciation of what is happening in the world of business and also take the time to look at the news stories that are appearing all the time. Realistically, students should consider the different businesses that they use every day, sometimes without even realising it. This attitude to the subject will allow students to better understand the sometimes complex nature of the course and some of the more abstract scenarios that are given to them.

KS4

Why choose GCSE Business Studies?

Studying Business Studies in school equips students with essential knowledge and skills that are highly applicable in today’s world, no matter the career path they choose. Here are some compelling reasons to explore this subject:

1. Practical Life Skills

Financial Literacy: Gain an understanding of managing money, budgeting, and economic principles.
Decision-Making: Learn to analyse situations and make informed, effective choices for both personal and professional scenarios.

2. Career Preparation

Diverse Opportunities: Business knowledge is valuable in fields such as marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, management, and even the non-profit sector.
Entrepreneurial Foundation: Develop the skills to create and execute business ideas successfully.

3. Understanding the Economy

Global Insight: Discover how businesses operate on a global scale and their impact on international markets.
Economic Awareness: Become an informed citizen with a strong grasp of market dynamics, supply and demand, and governmental roles in the economy.

4. Skill Development

Communication: Improve both written and oral communication skills.
Critical Thinking: Build the ability to critically evaluate business situations and develop innovative solutions.
Teamwork and Leadership: Engage in group projects and case studies to foster collaboration and leadership abilities.

5. Adaptability

Broad Knowledge: The versatile principles of business make it applicable across multiple industries, ensuring flexibility in career choices.
Problem-Solving: Prepare to address real-world challenges with creativity and confidence.

6. Ethical Awareness

Corporate Responsibility: Understand the importance of ethics and corporate social responsibility in business.

Assessment Structure

The GCSE is assessed by two exam papers sat at the end of the course. The exams are the same in both length and structure and include case studies of real businesses, with the main difference between the two exam papers being the size and nature of the businesses being considered.

Key features of both exam papers:

Content of both exam papers:

- Written examination

- 1 hour and 45 minutes in length

- Each paper accounts for 50% of the GCSE

- Calculations

- Multiple-choice questions

- Short answer questions

- Extended writing questions

Extra Curricular

Students are more than welcome to come to the business after school club on a Thursday every week. This will allow them time to discuss anything that they may not have understood in the lessons or catch up with any theory that they may have missed.

There is a homework support club every Friday to help the learners improve their study skills, build confidence, and raise their academic achievements. Homework clubs offer students the help and structure they need to complete the assignments. It provides opportunities for more practice with a teacher on certain content or use other resources they may not have at home.

Home Learning

Homework is set every Tuesday for Business Studies for all classes and due back next Tuesday. It includes case studies, topic worksheets, exam questions, retrieval worksheets and booster booklets. Every student is provided with a revision guide for home learning.