Why do we learn business studies?
The study of Business is necessary in every aspect of modern society. As a subject, it combines academic challenge and rigor with a more practical understanding of the world of business. Students are introduced to complex business terminology, theories and concepts and learn how apply these to explore real life business issues and understand how businesses work. The units covered across KS4 and KS5 allow students to explore business concepts in different contexts, allowing them to develop sound critical, evaluative, and analytical skills, and the ability to provide sustained solutions to business issues. As a department, we aim to equip students with the relevant knowledge, experiences, and skills to ensure they are confident and successful in a thriving yet competitive business world. Whether their route be through university, apprenticeships or entrepreneurship, students should feel empowered that they are able to be successful in whichever path they wish to follow.
Our approach
Students develop the necessary knowledge by first learning underlying business concepts. In year 10, students are introduced to topics such as the basic functions of a business, the aims, and objectives a business may have and different types of ownership. These topics are taught in year 10 as they are more relatable to students who have never been exposed to the study of business before. In year 11, students develop their knowledge and these skills further by learning more challenging and abstract concepts such as the theory of marketing and financial accounting. Students develop their writing skills across KS4 through consistent practice of 9- and 12-mark evaluation questions. At A-Level, students gain a deeper understanding of business through using models and theories to analyse businesses in further detail. Their writing skills are further developed through applying their knowledge to 20, 24, and 25-mark answers.
The Professional Pathways Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Business gives students the opportunity to complete an academic qualification alongside gaining experience with world leading international businesses, including our business partners, Capgemini, EY and Lloyds Bank. The course consists of completing 13 units across two years, four of which are exam based. The result is the equivalent of achieving 3 grades at A-Level. Not only do students have the opportunity gain to visit and gain work experience in leading global organisations, but they also complete a ‘work readiness’ course alongside their studies where they are taught valuable skills and experiences to prepare them for the university or career of their choice.
Year 10 - Business Studies
| Autumn |
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The Purpose & Nature of Business Business Ownership Setting Business Aims & Objectives Stakeholders Business Location Business Planning Expanding a Business |
| Spring |
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Technology Ethical & Environmental Considerations The Economic Climate of Business Globalisation Legislation The Competitive Environment |
| Summer |
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Production Processes The Role of Procurement The Concept of Quality Good Customer Service |
Year 11 - Business Studies
| Autumn |
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Organisational Structures Recruitment & Selection of Employees Motivating Employees Training |
| Spring |
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Identifying & Understanding Customers Segmentation The Purpose & Methods of Market Research Elements of the Marketing Mix Using the Marketing Mix: Product & Pricing Promotion & Distribution |
| Summer |
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Sources of Finance Cash Flow Financial Terms & Calculations Analysing the Financial Performance of a Business |
Year 12 - Business Studies
| Autumn |
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Understanding The Nature & Purpose of Business Understanding Different Business Forms Understanding Management Leadership and Decision making Understanding Management Decision Making Setting Operational Objectives Analysing Operational Objectives Making Operational Decision to Improve Performance: efficiency & productivity |
| Spring |
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Understanding that Business operate within an External Environment Understanding the Role & Importance of Stakeholders Making Operational Decisions to improve performance: Improving Quality Making Operational Decisions to improve performance: Managing Inventory & Supply Chain Setting Marketing Objectives Setting Financial Objectives Setting Human Resource Objectives Analysing Human Resource Performance |
| Summer |
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Understanding Markets & Customers Making Marketing Decision: Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning Making Marketing Decision: Using the Marketing Mix Analysing Financial Performance Making Financial Decisions: Sources of Finance Making Financial Decisions: Improving Cash Flow & Profits Making HR Decisions: Improving Organisational Design & Manging the HR flow Improving Motivation & Engagement Improving Employer-Employee Relations |
Year 12 BTEC
| Autumn |
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Unit 1: Exploring Business Unit 3: Personal & Business Finance Unit 8: Recruitment & Selection Process |
| Spring |
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Unit 2: Marketing Campaign Unit 3: Personal & Business Finance Unit 14: Customer Service |
| Summer |
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Unit 17: Digital Marketing Unit 22: Market Research |
Year 13 - Business Studies
| Autumn |
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Mission, Corporate Objectives & Strategy Analysing the existing internal position of a business to assess strengths & weaknesses: Financial Ratio Analysis Analysing the overall performance Analysing the external environment to assess opportunities & threats: Political & Legal change Economic Change Social & Technological Change The Competitive Environment Investment Appraisal Strategic Direction: Choosing which markets to compete in & what products to offer |
| Spring |
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Strategic Positioning: Choosing how to Compete Assessing a change in Scale Assessing Innovation Assessing Internationalisation Assessing Greater Use of digital technology |
| Summer |
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Managing Change Managing Organisational Culture Managing Strategic Implementation Problems with Strategy & why Strategies fail |
Year 13 BTEC
| Autumn |
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Unit 6: Principles of Management Unit 5: International Business Unit 21: Training & Development |
| Spring |
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Unit 7: Business Decision Making Unit 19: Pitching for a New Business Idea Unit 4: Events Management |
| Summer |
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Unit 7: Business Decision Making Unit 19: Pitching for a New Business Idea Unit 4: Events Management |