Business
GCSE Business is a course that will provide students with many transferable skills into both other subjects and the real world.
In Business, you will study a range of topics such as starting a business (entrepreneurship), marketing, finance, human resources and operations management. You will analyse a variety of case studies and business models to learn the skills that help businesses operate effectively. Within this course, students are required to exercise their essay writing ability and numerical skills to identify and analyse business innovation and enterprise.
What is the exam board and specification?
Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel
Specification: GCSE (9-1) Business
What will you study?
Theme 1: Investigating Small Business – Content overview: Enterprise and entrepreneurship; Spotting a business opportunity; Putting a business idea into practice; Making the business effective; Understanding external influences on business
Exam 1 Will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions.
Theme 2: Building a Business – Content overview: Growing the business; Making marketing decisions; Making product decisions; Making financial decisions; Making human resource decisions
Exam 2 Will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short answer and extended writing questions.
How will you be assessed?
There are two written exams at the end of Year 11 and NO coursework.
Exam 1 and Exam 2 are 90 minutes – 50% of the qualification each (90 marks).
Marks are awarded for three areas: Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues; Applying knowledge and understanding of business concepts and issues to a variety of contexts; Analysis and evaluation of business information and issues to demonstrate an understanding of business activity, make judgements and draw conclusions.
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
The skills to apply knowledge and understanding to business decision making, analysing financial and business data, problem-solving, attention to detail and creativity. Working in a team and working hard are two qualities required to succeed in Business. An interest in current business affairs and willingness to discuss issues are a must.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
This subject supports skill development in three key areas:
- Cognitive skills – expert thinking, metacognition, creativity, decision making and reasoning.
- Interpersonal skills – communication, relationship-building skills, collaborative problem-solving.
- Intrapersonal skills – Adaptability, self-management and self-development.
Business A Level, BTec and a variety of degrees in Business or other BA and BSc degrees are available as is an MBA (Masters in Business Administration). The ability to use words effectively and digest numbers to pick out the meaning is an excellent skill set for a wide variety of well-paid professions, including marketing, sales, finance and accounting, human resources and operational logistics in national and multi-national companies, as well as sparking future entrepreneurs.
Who should I contact for further information?
Mr Lawrence – t.lawrence@kwschool.co.uk
