Business Studies & Economics

This course will allow students 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.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different 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.

Course outline

The course is divided into 2 key sections, each of which is examined in at the end of Year 11.

Unit 1 – Investigating small business (50% GCSE)

Unit 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business.

Content overview:

  • Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship.
  • Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity.
  • Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice.
  • Topic 1.4 Making the business effective.
  • Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business.

Unit 2 – Building a Business (50% of the GCSE)

Unit 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Theme 2 also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows.

Content Overview:

  • Topic 2.1 Growing the business.
  • Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions.
  • Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions.
  • Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions.
  • Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions.

Assessment and Progression

Examination Board:  

EDEXCEL

Grading system:

1-9 (9 is highest)

 

Assessment:

2 final examinations

Paper 1- Investigating a Small Business. 1hr 30 minutes

Paper 2 – Building a Business.

1hr 30 minutes

Exam questions are a mix of calculations, multiple-choice, short and long answers.

Progression to Post-16:

A-Level Business/Economics.

 

Future career links:

  • Management
  • Sales
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing
  • Finance

Contact:

Mr A Tomline

atomline@st-birinus.oxon.sch.uk

 

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