Contact

Head of Department: Ms G. Bull

g.bull@kingsway.stockport.sch.uk

Curriculum Intent

Business activity affects the daily lives of all people, as they work, spend, save, invest, travel, and play. Business influences jobs, incomes, and opportunities for personal enterprise and development. Business has a significant effect not only on the standard of living and quality of life, but also on the environment in which people live.

At some point, all students will encounter the world of business. They, therefore, must be prepared to engage in business activity with confidence and competence, by understanding how businesses function and the role it plays in our society. Students should familiarise themselves with the skills that are required in the business environment and the impact these skills can have on their own lives and on society.

The (Edexcel) GCSE Business Studies provides pupils with a wide range of valuable and transferable skills that will help pupils succeed in future studies and the world of work.

Throughout the course pupils will engage actively in the study of business in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds. You will analyse case studies of real businesses, such as Topshop, to understand how they operate and become successful businesses. Pupils will develop an appreciation of a range of perspectives of different people who are affected by businesses (customers, governments, competitors, suppliers) in relation to business and economic activities. Pupils will consider whether businesses behave ethically and whether there should be business ethics which all companies should follow.

GCSE Business Studies provides you with a wide range of valuable and transferable skills that will help you succeed in your future studies and the world of work.

Key Stage 4

Assessment

You will study 2 compulsory units which will be assessed through two written exams (50% each). The units will cover:

  • Spotting business opportunities
  • Putting business ideas into practice
  • Understanding the effects of changes in the economy on new and existing businesses
  • Marketing
  • Understanding and meeting customer needs
  • Effective financial management
  • Global effects on businesses

Course Overview

  Year 10 Year 11
Term 1 Enterprise & Entrepreneurship Business Growth
Term 2 Marketing & Finance Marketing and operations
Term 3 Understanding external influences Finance & Human resource