Business is a versatile, interesting subject that teaches pupils a wide range of skills which they can use in their daily lives and transfer to other subjects. It also prepares them for the real world of business. Our curriculum contextualises workplace learning using real-life situations and data responses. Pupils will understand business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and society, nationally and globally. They will also develop as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds and an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements. They will consider the ethics of business and the impact that businesses have on the environment.
Intent
- To develop pupils holistically (spiritually, physically, academically, and socially) and to enable them to know and understand business concepts, ideas, and terminology.
- To encourage pupils to strive for academic success, physical vitality and to be good citizens.
- To facilitate social and cultural growth and life-long learning in all pupils.
Transferable Skills
Pupils will learn how to develop their ability to make oral presentations (fluency in speech, content, and structure) and learn practical skills such as creating a business plan and calculating profitability ratios. They also learn how to interpret and analyse data and make recommendations.
Assessment Weighting
Pupils are assessed regularly and their grades are calculated at the end of every half term as follows:
- Tests: 60%,
- Classwork: 20%
- Homework: 20%.
For the GCSE examination, the following weighting is used:
Paper 1: 50%
Paper 2: 50%
- Assessment Objective 1 (35%): demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues
- Assessment Objective 2 (35%): Apply knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues
- Assessment Objective 3 (30%): Analyse and evaluate business information and issues
Assessment (Implementation)
Two lessons are scheduled a week for Business and pupils develop their knowledge and understanding in various topics. Individual and group oral presentations refine their spoken language skills and their skills in leadership and teamwork are fine tuned in groupwork. They develop their numeracy skills when learning about Finance and use IT to create questionnaires and present data.
Pupils learn about types of business organisations, marketing, the role of human resources and employment law, production, finance, and ethical and environmental considerations of a business.
Differentiation – pupils needs are assessed and catered to through independent work, paired work and group work.
Cross-curricular: Citizenship, Maths, Geography, PSHE and English Language, PSHE and Religious Studies.
Pupils are assessed using quizzes, end of topic tests, exam questions, multiple choice test questions from OCR, data response questions and Past GCSE exam papers. They are assessed on quantitative skills (calculating averages, cashflow forecasts) and the interpretation of quantitative data (graphs and charts, profitability ratios and marketing data). Their analytical and evaluative skills are also developed. Pupils write two mock examinations – one at the end of Year 10 (June) and one at the end of the first term of Year 11 (November).
What skills, understanding and knowledge will pupils leave Business with? (Impact)
This subject helps pupils to develop practical skills that will equip them in: entrepreneurship, analysis, evaluation, teamworking and how to create a business plan. They will also develop their IT and leadership skills. They will have the opportunity to gain a realistic understanding of how the world of business works and future career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
- Entrepreneur
- Management/Human Resources
- Marketing/Accounting and Finance
- International Business