Business Studies
Department Intent
Innovate, Compete, Capitalise
“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body” – Joseph Addison
| Knowledge in Business Studies | The Business classroom is where pupils will be equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to pursue their dreams of career in business studies. Pupils will develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to compete with one another, demonstrating innovative ideas to to solve real world problems, and drawing on evidence to make informed business decisions. The primary focus is for pupils to know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society. Pupils will learn how to apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts, recognising that cultural differences bring about new opportunities. By the end of their time with us, pupils are well prepared to face the necessary skills for success so that they are able to capitalise on new business & enterprise opportunities and are prepared for the future. | ||||||||||||
| Curriculum in Business Studies |
In their time with us, Pupils studying Business Studies at Lea Manor will study both Theme 1 and Theme 2 in their GCSE at KS4. These two themes enable pupils to investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues. Pupils learn to construct well-argued, well-evidenced, balanced and structured arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of business. In doing so the pupils will develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data. In doing so pupils will capitalise on what they have learnt and apply to real world business scenarios.
This qualification will require students to access knowledge in the following units:
By the end of their GCSE studies pupils have the opportunity to become future leaders and aspire to become entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, problem solving skills and knowledge they have acquired at KS3 and KS4. The course will teach them how to build their own businesses in the future and motivate them to enroll onto similar qualifications at KS5 and beyond to University. |
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| Teaching and Learning in Business Studies |
Across each theme of study pupils engage in individual, paired and group learning activities involving reading and discussing case studies, extended writing questions to consolidate key vocabulary and range of learning activities. Every sub topic in the curriculum includes key business vocabulary and elements of literacy and numeracy that build over Year 10 and Year 11 into a coherent, comprehensive set of tools for problem solving and making justified decisions. Individual lessons draw on prior knowledge and embed that knowledge through understanding business concepts, examining business case studies and articulating their understanding in classroom discussions.
Throughout KS4, in addition to studying extended exam questions, pupils also encounter a wide range of short questions, case studies and multiple-choice questions, from multiple sources, selected to help students to be critical and reflective thinkers. Pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of business vocabulary: apply business terminology to sentences that demonstrate critical, well-evidenced arguments. In doing so pupils will be empowered and will be a tool for personal success. Links between Business Studies and future career options are used to build and reinforce aspiration within the classroom. |
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| Assessment in Business Studies |
Over the course of each half term pupils engage in regular assessments of progress, with whole class feedback, peer-assessment and self-assessment. Annual end-of-year exams, accompanied by other externally standardised assessments at key points, monitor the long-term progress and retention of core knowledge and skills.
Summative assessments allow me to identify gaps in learning and take necessary steps to ensure knowledge and skills are retained in long term memory and any misconceptions are addressed. Summative assessments will happen end of half term and will include questions based on the learning that has happened place during the half term. |
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| Learning Beyond the Classroom in Business Studies |
Beyond the classroom in Business Studies we assign our learners with regular homework where they will consolidate their classroom learning and also be involved in gathering research on areas within the taught module. |
Curriculum Journey
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 | |
| 10 |
1.1 - Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Dynamic Nature of Business
Risk & Reward The Role of Business Enterprise
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 1 |
1.2 - Spotting a Business Opportunity Customer Needs
Market Research and Segmentation
Competitive Environment
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 2 |
1.3 - Putting A Business Idea into Practice Aims and Objectives
Costs and Profits
Cash Flow
Sources of Finance
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 3 |
1.4 - Making the Business Effective Small Businesses and Start-ups
Business Plans and Location
Marketing Mix
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 4 |
1.5 - External Influences on Business Stakeholders and External Influences
Technology and Legislation in Business
Business Cycle
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 5 |
2.1 - Growing the Business Growth, Ethics and the Business Environment
Aims and Objectives
Businesses and Globalisation
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 6 |
| 11 |
Y10 Curriculum Review and Consolidate Revision and Consolidation of ALL topics studied in Theme 1 throughout Y10.
2.2 - Making Marketing Decisions Market mix - Price, Product, Place, Promotion
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 7 |
2.3 - Making Operational Decisions Business Operations
Working with Suppliers
Managing Quality
Sales Process
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 9 + Mock Exams |
2.4 - Making Financial Decisions Business Calculations
Business Performance
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 10 |
2.5 - Making HR Decisions Organisational Structures
Training, Recruitment and Development
Motivation
End of Unit Assessment + Feedback and Assessment Point 1
Exam Preparation and Revision |
Exam Preparation and Revision Pupils to review Theme 1 and Theme 2. Focus on 3 mark, 6 mark, 9 mark and 12 mark questions. Specific targeted intervention, ironing out misconceptions, building confidence and solidifying their confidence in all topics studied in Business Studies through exam preparation. |
GCSE Public Examinations |
Curriculum Overview