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  1. Home
  2. Curriculum
  3. Subjects
  4. Business Studies

Welcome to Business Studies

Why do we learn business studies?
Our approach
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13

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

The Purpose & Nature of Business

Business Ownership

Setting Business Aims & Objectives

Stakeholders

Business Location

Business Planning

Expanding a Business

Spring

Technology

Ethical & Environmental Considerations

The Economic Climate of Business

Globalisation

Legislation

The Competitive Environment

Summer

Production Processes

The Role of Procurement

The Concept of Quality

Good Customer Service

All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Sociology

Year 11 - Business Studies

Autumn

Organisational Structures

Recruitment & Selection of Employees

Motivating Employees

Training

Spring

Identifying & Understanding Customers

Segmentation

The Purpose & Methods of Market Research

Elements of the Marketing Mix

Using the Marketing Mix: Product & Pricing

Promotion & Distribution

Summer

Sources of Finance

Cash Flow

Financial Terms & Calculations

Analysing the Financial Performance of a Business

All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Sociology

Year 12 - Business Studies

Autumn

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

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

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

Unit 1: Exploring Business

Unit 3: Personal & Business Finance

Unit 8: Recruitment & Selection Process

Spring

Unit 2: Marketing Campaign

Unit 3: Personal & Business Finance

Unit 14: Customer Service

Summer

Unit 17: Digital Marketing

Unit 22: Market Research

All Year 12 subjects Next Year 12 Subject - Sociology

Year 13 - Business Studies

Autumn

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

Strategic Positioning: Choosing how to Compete

Assessing a change in Scale

Assessing Innovation

Assessing Internationalisation

Assessing Greater Use of digital technology

Summer

Managing Change

Managing Organisational Culture

Managing Strategic Implementation

Problems with Strategy & why Strategies fail

 

Year 13 BTEC

Autumn

Unit 6: Principles of Management

Unit 5: International Business

Unit 21: Training & Development

Spring

Unit 7: Business Decision Making

Unit 19: Pitching for a New Business Idea

Unit 4: Events Management

Summer

Unit 7: Business Decision Making

Unit 19: Pitching for a New Business Idea

Unit 4: Events Management

All Year 13 subjects Next Year 13 Subject - Sociology

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