“The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity.” – Peter Drucker
Business has an impact on all our lives and shapes us as citizens. How we live our everyday lives is determined by business and affects our standard of living, our health, our happiness and ultimately the local communities in which we live. The connection that business has with the futures of young people is very important and at some point in their lives, our diverse cohort of students will need to have the confidence, capability and aspiration to be able to develop economically as self-sufficient individuals. To be able to live ‘choice filled lives’ in a dynamic and rapidly advancing global economy.
Key information:
GCSE/BTEC Level 2 Specification
Year 10: GCSE Edexcel Business
Year 11: Pearson BTEC Level 2 Enterprise
A Level Specification
Curriculum Progression
Key Stage 3
Students do not study enterprise however the skills they learn in Maths and English will support this course.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 (GCSE)
Study this course and you will learn the steps you need to take when starting and then growing a business. From marketing to raising finance, people management to operations – this course is an exploration of the world of business. During this course, you will learn about how businesses work. You’ll learn how to put together a business strategy and the key elements of the marketing mix. You’ll work on real-life briefs and visit businesses to understand how strategy is put into practice. You will also develop an appreciation of globalisation, and how the internet and digital era has transformed the way we do business – creating both opportunities and threats for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
This subject is for you if you want to develop an understanding of the world of business. This course provides a great foundation to go on to study a business-related subject at A level, such as Business or Economics.
Year 11 (BTEC Level 2 – 2024/25 only*)
The Business BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise is a two-year course designed to offer a genuine alternative to GCSE specifications. The course is designed to support and allow students to achieve their full potential whilst providing an engaging and stimulating introduction to the world of enterprise. It is an excellent way for students to gain invaluable work-related skills; vital in this ever increasingly competitive job market.
*This course will no longer run after the end of the 2024/25 academic year and will be replaced by GCSE Business.
Key Stage 5 (A Level)
The way companies operate is under greater scrutiny than ever before, and programmes such as The Apprentice and Dragons’ Den continue to raise the profile of business and business practices. This course will give you a sound skill-set that you will take into life, regardless of whether you choose to pursue the subject at undergraduate level. During this course you will learn about how real businesses work – from operations management and marketing, through to finance and organisational culture, and you’ll learn how to put together a business strategy and about the key elements of the marketing mix. You’ll work on real-life briefs and visit businesses to understand how strategy is put into practice.
You will also develop an appreciation of globalisation, and how the internet and digital era have transformed the way we do business – creating both opportunities and threats for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
A sound understanding of economics and financial planning forms a key part of the course. From resource management and how external influences affect a business, through to raising finance for a fledgling start-up, this course is an excellent foundation for a career in a variety of business roles.
This subject is for you if you’re keen to develop a foundation in business that will equip you with practical skills for the future, regardless of whether you choose to pursue the subject area at undergraduate level or into your future career.
Curriculum Plan
