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Business Studies

Business is a dynamic, exciting, and challenging study of the business world around us.

Curriculum Intent

Business is a dynamic, exciting, and challenging study of the business world around us. It investigates topical studies such as Brexit and the pandemic, and analyses the impact on businesses and our economy, which in turn affect you and me. It also creates opportunities to explore your strengths and help develop entrepreneurial characteristics such as drive and determination. Every day is different in a fast-moving economy so we must keep up-to-date and this makes the subject challenging and relevant. 

Course Contact

Mr Colin Kilpatrick
Business Subject Leader

Key Stage Three

Business is not studied at Key Stage Three, but can be chosen as an Option for Key Stage Four.

Key Stage Four

The study of GCSE Business is a dynamic and fascinating one.  We will be using contemporary business contexts to provide a real and relevant insight into the running of a business in an ever-changing world.  The course will provide students with the opportunity to study local business examples in Theme 1 through to the study of international brands students recognise in Theme 2. 

Year 10 – Concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business.  Many young people will be thinking about setting up their own business in the future and this study will provide an excellent insight into the skills and qualities required.  It provides a framework for students to explore concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business. 

Year 11 – builds on the first year and examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase.  It explores topics such as marketing, operations, finance and human resources.  It uses these key business concepts to explore the issues and decisions required to help grow a business.  It also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows.  This will include the ethical and social decisions international businesses have to make in a complex globalised economy.  

Method of Assessment 

Exam Board: Edexcel
Exam Structure: 2 external examinations (50% each at end of Year 11)

Key Stage Five

Business is studied at A Level. This course looks at a wide range of inter-related topical issues and ideas such as the impact of Brexit and the pandemic on UK business.  It is a dynamic course where you have to keep a close eye on world events. The A level course is broken down into 4 Themes which build on each other culminating in the study in Theme 4 of business in an international context. There is also scope for budding entrepreneurs to learn about the fundamentals of setting up their own business from market research through to recruitment and finance. A case study based approach will allow students to relate their learning to real life examples and to display application of their knowledge.

Learn more

Future Pathways

GCSE Business aims to develop students’ understanding of many concepts and situations that will be encountered after leaving school.  It is an excellent foundation for Advanced level courses in Business and Economics, or simply to develop some of the key skills and knowledge required to set up your own business.  

Such is the real and relevant use of case studies that students will be more informed of the globalised nature of business and the economy. This will be important knowledge when pursuing any career in a dynamic economy such as the UK. The course can also act as a catalyst to pursue careers in areas such as accountancy, marketing, human resources, and public relations.

Student Destinations

JP Morgan Finance and Business Management Degree Apprenticeship 

Mazars Apprenticeship in Accountancy 

PKF Francis Clark Apprenticeship in Accountancy 

University of Bath – Business and German 

Bournemouth University – International Business and Management 

Student Testimonials

“Business was such a popular A Level choice with huge classes, but Mr Kilpatrick took the time to get to know us all. I felt like he was so proud of me that I went into an apprenticeship, and the skills I learned in his class have been the most transferable to the real world”

Ellie, KS5 Business student