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Business Studies


What is the overall aim of what we are learning in Business Studies?

The aim is to ignite a passion for commercial thinking, inspire an enduring interest in the business world, and equip students with the comprehensive knowledge needed to understand how and why businesses grow. By delving into the strategic decisions and dynamic processes that drive business expansion, students will gain valuable insights into the complexities of the corporate landscape and be prepared to navigate and contribute to it effectively. 

What are the students learning in Year 9?

In Year 9, students cover the basics of starting a business. This foundation prepares them for more advanced topics in Year 10 and Year 11, where they will explore business growth and operations of large multinational companies.

What are students learining in Year 10 and 11?

Students grow into enterprising individuals with the skills to think commercially and creatively, demonstrating strong business acumen. They learn to use evidence to make informed business decisions and solve problems. They will understand key business concepts, terminology, objectives, the interconnectedness of business activities, and the impact of business on individuals and society.

Why are they learning these things?

To equip them with the skills and knowledge to think like entrepreneurs and be creative, students gain insights into risk-taking and its potential consequences. Additionally, they develop into effective, independent learners, becoming critical and reflective thinkers with inquisitive minds.

Year 9 - Scheme of Learning Overview
Unit 1 Autumn Sectors of Business
Unit 2 The Principles of Market Research
Unit 3 Spring The Marketing Mix
Unit 4 Independent Learning
Unit 5 Summer The External Environment
Unit 6 Employability Skills
Year 10 - Scheme of Learning Overview
1.1 Autumn Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
1.2 Spotting a Business Opportunity
1.3 Spring Putting a Business Idea into Practice
1.4 Making the Business Effective

1.5

 Summer Understanding External Influences on Business
Year 11 - Scheme of Learning Overview
2.1 Autumn Growing the Business
2.2 Making Marketing Decisions
2.3 Spring Making Operational Decisions
2.4 Summer Making Financial Decisions
2.5 Making Human Resource Decisions



What are students learning in Year 12 & 13?

Students are introduced to business in Themes 1 and 2 through building knowledge of core business concepts and applying them to business contexts to develop a broad understanding of how businesses work. Breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, with applications to a wider range of contexts and more complex
Business information is developed in Themes 3 and 4, requiring students to take a more strategic view of business opportunities and issues.

Why are they learning these things? 

Students are encouraged to use an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to the study of business, to understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives and to challenge assumptions.
 

Year 12 - Scheme of Learning Overview  
1.1 Autumn Meeting Customer Needs
1.2 The Market
1.3 Spring Marketing Mix and Strategy
1.4 Managing People
1.5 Summer Entrepreneurs and Leaders
2.1 Autumn Raising Finance
2.2 Financial Planning
2.3 Managing Finance
2.4 Spring Resource Management
2.5 Summer External Influences
Year 13 - Scheme of Learning Overview
3.1 Autumn Business Objectives and Strategy
3.2 Business Growth
3.3 Spring Decision-making Techniques



How can I find out more about what students are learning?

Schemes of Learning Over the course of this academic year, we will be sharing links to our schemes of learning. You can click on these links to see more about what your child is studying.
GCSE Exam Board Edexcel
GCSE Specification Pearson Edexcel    GCSE (9-1) Business
GCE Exam Board Edexcel
GCE Specification Pearson Edexcel    A Level Business
Subject Contact The name and email address of the subject leader can be found below. Please feel free to contact them if you have any further questions or would like to learn more about the curriculum students are following.
Subject Leader & email Mrs R Balkissoon       rbalkissoon@northolthigh.org.uk