Business

Course Outline:

GCSE in Business provides a dynamic, contemporary and exciting opportunity for students to engage with the world of business today and enables learners to:

• Know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and society develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business and interpreting data.
• Apply knowledge and understanding to types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts.
• Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems.
• Use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements.
• Investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues demonstrating business knowledge.

Topics covered include; enterprise, marketing, business activity, the workforce in business, using and managing resources to produce goods and services, operational activity, financial information and decision making and external influences on business activity

Assessment:

The assessment consists of 2 external examinations of 90 minutes each, taken at the end of Year 11.
They include the application and assessment of quantitative skills (approx. 20% of the overall marks) at the level of Key Stage 3 Maths. Both question papers have a section with multiple choice questions and longer questions that require extended writing and some data analysis.

Further Information:

Business Studies is an exciting, real-life subject that is available to students as a GCSE option. It is an academic course with some practical activities that aims to increase understanding of how businesses set up and operate in a contemporary and dynamic environment. Students also gain an insight into the key functions businesses need to operate such as Human Resource Management, Production, Marketing and Finance. Students will have the opportunity to develop enterprise skills such as teamwork, initiative, leadership, problem solving, risk taking and communication. This is achieved through a mixture of grouped and paired activities using business case studies.

There is opportunity for further study at A Level and Higher Education. For all students it will prove an invaluable experience that will equip them with a better understanding of the business world and world of work. Teaching is carried out by specialist, experienced Business Studies teachers. It is enhanced by talks and workshops from outside speakers, particularly from businesses in the Kendal area. There may also be the opportunity for extension skills workshops and some external visits. Students are also encouraged to extend their learning by becoming involved in Business and Enterprise activities, and using web-based sources.

Possible Career Destinations:

Studying Business Studies could help you set up your own business, undertake a Leadership and Management role within an organisation or any Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Operation or Human Resources function.

For further information, contact: Mrs M. Booth