At Key Stage 4, GCSE Business Studies is offered to students. This course equips students with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect business decisions. Students will be able to understand business concepts, terminology, objectives, and the impact of business on individuals and the wider society. They will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding to different business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses. In addition to this, students will be able to develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively. They will be able to review and analyse limitations of qualitative and qualitative research to support business decision making. Students will also learn how to develop their problem solving and analytical skills relevant to business.
Students will sit two exams at the end of Year 11. Unit 1 which is delivered in Year 10 consists of the following topics: Business Activity, Marketing and People linked to businesses. Unit 2 is delivered to students in Year 11 consists of the following topics: Operations, Finance, and Influences on Businesses. Both exams are externally assessed and worth 100% of their total GCSE grade.
| Year | Term | Topic | Type Of Assessment | Assessment Window |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 1 | Business 1: Business Activity, Marketing and People | 1.1 – 1.6 End of Topic Assessments | W/B 19th September – 10th October |
| Unit 1: Business Activity | End of Unit Assessment (Units 1.1 – 1.6) | W/B 17th October | ||
| 2 | Business 1: Business Activity, Marketing and People | 2.1 – 2.4 End of Topic Assessments | W/B 4th January – 20th March | |
| Unit 2: Marketing | End of Unit Assessment (Units 2.1 – 2.4) | W/B 27th March | ||
| 3 | Business 1: Business Activity, Marketing and People | 3.1 – 3.7 End of Topic Assessments | W/B 17th April – 10th July | |
| Unit 2: People | End of Unit Assessment (Units 3.1 – 3.7) | W/B 17th July |