Business Studies is a broad subject which looks at a range of topics and gives and overview of the various elements involved in running a business.
The main functional areas of a business are Business Operations, Marketing, Finance and Human Resource Management
Why study Business?
Business Studies is a varied subject which allows students to explore the world of business in it’s many different contexts. Business Studies is much more than a theory based or textbook driven subject. The theory studied throughout the course is taught in the context of the current world around us, because to stay a contender in the world of business you need to be up to date.
From every online click on a company website, every purchase you ever make, every company name you hear in the news, business exist all around us. At some point in your life, some of these businesses have convinced you to purchase their products and services. If you want to become part of this phenomenon this course is for you.
Possible career pathways
There are a wide range of careers in which a Business Studies pathway will prove useful. Some examples are:
Accountancy and Finance, Management and Consultancy, Marketing and Advertising, Human Resource Management, Media Management, Retail and Sales, Entrepreneur, International Business Careers and many more.
KS4
GCSE Business Course structure
Students consider the practical application of business concepts. The units detailed below provide opportunities to explore theories and concepts in the most relevant way, through the context of events in the business and economic world.
- Business in the real world
- Influences on business
- Business operations
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Finance
Key areas and skills
Students apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts, ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. Students are able to develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour. They are able to apply knowledge and understanding to business decision making and how these interdependencies underpin business decision making, how different business contexts affect business decisions and the use and limitation of quantitative and qualitative data in making business decisions.
Main methods of assessment
Paper 1: Influences of operations and HRM on business activity. Written exam: 1 hour 45minutes (50%)
What’s assessed: Business in the real world; influences on business; business operations; human resources.
Section A has multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions worth 20 marks.
Section B has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth approximately 34 marks.
Section C has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth approximately 36 marks.
Paper 2: Influences of marketing and finance on business activity. Written exam: 1 hour 45minutes (50%)
What’s assessed: Business in the real world; influences on business; marketing; finance.
Section A has multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions worth 20 marks.
Section B has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth approximately 34 marks.
Section C has one case study/data response stimuli with questions worth approximately 36 marks.
NCFE Level 1/2 Business and Enterprise
Please note that Year 11 2022/23 cohort are completing the NCFE qualification. Details of the course can be found in the handbook below.
