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Business & Economics

Curriculum

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A.Shackleton

Subject Performance Leader

Introduction

Areas of study include why businesses exist, the dynamic nature of businesses, how businesses are able to​ compete. Including the use of key functional areas such as marketing, finance, human​ resources and operations.

Key Skills & Understanding:

economics · data interpretation · management systems · practical application · ICT · finance · critical thinking & analysis  ·  ethics​

let's take a look... 
Theme 1: Investigating small business

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

(All modules) Fortnightly exam questions throughout the course. These will be diagnostically assessed and individual student feedback given. At key points, your child will complete end of topic assessments.

We encourage parents/carers to support learning in a number of ways:
Organisation
Encourage your child to check that they have all the equipment they need in their school bag the night before.
Look at completed work. Encourage your child to plan their work.
Help your child to solve problems from independent research.
Show an interest in the work your child is completing and talk to them about it.

​

RevisionEncourage active revision using past papers and mark schemes (these will be provided), design posters of key information and talk through ideas that your child finds difficult.

Business Studies

Y10 | Key Stage 4

Theme/Unit

Class Content

Independent Study

Assisted Study

10
YEAR
Theme 2: Building a business

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

Showmyhomework is set to improve students understanding and examination technique. All students will be set homework and including exam style questions. Mind-maps and for example. Summative assessment will take place approximately every six weeks.

Encourage wider reading at home of topical business issues and in particular newspaper articles. Discuss with them their opinion on what they have read, in order to help them to develop their understanding.

Business Studies

Y11 | Key Stage 4

Theme/Unit

Class Content

Independent Study

Assisted Study

11
YEAR

What is 'Business Studies'?

Business is a subject which will allow learners to gain insight into how corporations start up, manage and grow in dynamic environments.

What will i study?

12&13
YEARS

Who is it for?

Ideal for students interested in pursuing university degrees or careers in business management, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, or launching their own enterprise. Or learners who have an interest in reviewing how business trade and manage their strategy to gain success in differing markets. 

This course is designed to enable students to:
● develop an enthusiasm for studying business
● gain an holistic understanding of business in a range of contexts
● develop a critical understanding of organisations and their ability to meet
society’s needs and wants
● understand that business behaviour can be studied from a range of perspectives
● generate enterprising and creative approaches to business opportunities,
problems and issues
● be aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals
● acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills, including decision
making, problem solving, the challenging of assumptions and critical analysis
● apply numerical skills in a range of business contexts

Course Content:

Theme 1: Marketing and people 

Students will develop an understanding of: 

  • meeting customer needs 

  • the market 

  • marketing mix and strategy 

  • managing people 

  • entrepreneurs and leaders.

​Internally assessed, externally moderated 

Theme 3: Business decisions and strategy 
 

This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 2. Students will develop an understanding of: 

  • business objectives and strategy 

  • business growth 

  • decision-making techniques 

  • influences on business decisions 

  • assessing competitiveness 

  • managing change.

Assessment: Coursework

Theme 2: Managing business activities 
Students will develop an understanding of:

  • raising finance 

  • financial planning

  • managing finance

  • resource management

  • external influences.

Assessment: Coursework

Theme 4: Global business

This theme develops the concepts introduced in Theme 1. Students will develop an understanding of:
•    globalisation 
•    global markets and business expansion 
•    global marketing 
•    global industries and companies (multinational corporations).

Assessment: Coursework

Where can it take me?

You could apply for jobs in:
Education, law, business, charity, journalism, advertising, medicine and many more!

What is 'Business Studies'?

The Cambridge Technicals Extended Diploma in Business offers you the opportunity to   investigate how real businesses actually operate. 
This course allows you to study real businesses in their real working environment and apply your knowledge of the theory to real situations either through producing portfolios on specific organisations or through case studies in exam situations. 

12
YEAR

Who is it for?

Every single one of us will end up working in a business of some description, be it in the public sector (say the NHS) or in a private business (such as Tesco). Some of you may even set up your own business. With this in mind, Business as a subject will fit in with all other option choices and can support progress towards any future career. 
You don’t even need to have studied Business at GCSE in order to be able to begin.

What will i study?

In this unit you will develop an understanding of how and why businesses operate in the way  they do. You will look at a range of different types of business and business structures and  explore how the ownership of a business and its objectives are interrelated. You will learn about the importance of different functions within a business and how they work together. You  will understand the legal, financial, ethical and resource constraints under which a business  must operate and how these can affect business behaviour. You will explore ways in which  businesses respond to changes in their economic, social and technological environment, and  the necessity for a business to plan. You will appreciate the influence different stakeholders  can have on a business, and you will learn how to assess business performance. 

You will have the opportunity to explore the social implications of business ethics and corporate responsibilities on a wide range of business activities. This will include topical issues such as whistle blowing, employment practices such as zero-hours contracts, advertising to children, environmental awareness and the use of new technologies.

Course Content:

The Business Environment

Develop an understanding of how businesses
operate and for what purpose;
• Structures, Ownership
• Business objectives
• Business functions within business
• The legal financial, ethical and resource constraints businesses face
• How businesses respond to changes in their economic, social and technological environment, and the necessity for a business to plan.

.

Unit 4: Customers and Communications

In this unit you will learn the purpose, methods and importance of communication in business  and the appropriateness of different forms of communication for different situations. You will  develop the skills that will help you create a rapport with customers and have the opportunity to  practice and develop your business communication skills. You will also learn about the legal constraints, ethical and security issues that affect how businesses store, share and use  information.

​Internally assessed, externally moderated 

Working in Business

• Understanding the need to work effectively
within a business environment.
• Arranging meetings, working with business documents, making payments, prioritizing business activities and communicating with
stakeholders.
• How these activities apply to specific business protocols in place or their general use and transferable skills.

.

Unit 8: Responsible Business Practices

In this unit you will learn how Businesses behave responsibly whilst they are producing and selling goods and services. By this we mean how a business manages its activities to produce a positive impact on society.
You will look at and review the impact of different stakeholders on business decisions and how the issues involved can at times be contradictory and difficult to address.

Assessment: Coursework

Exams: 2 hours each

Paper 1: Marketing, people and global businesses (covers themes 1 and 4)
Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategy (covers theme 2 and 3)
Paper 3: Investigating business in a competitive environment (assesses knowledge over all four themes)

Where can it take me?

You could apply for jobs in:
Education, law, business, charity, journalism, advertising, medicine and many more!

What is 'Economics'?

Economics is a subject which will allow learners to  gain insight into how markets work, alongside understand the relationship between micro and macroeconomics and how this shapes local, national and global economies. 

Who is it for?

All learners who want to kick-start their career, learning vital skills to continue to further education or the world of work. Or for students who want to pursue a career in economics or run their own business in the future. Or for learners who have an interest in the economy and how countries trade and make decisions on who to trade with. 

12&13
YEARS

Course Content:

Theme 1: Markets, consumers and firms 

• scarcity, choice and potential conflicts 

• enterprise, business and the economy 

• introducing the market 

• the role of credit in the economy 

• market failure and government intervention 

• revenue, costs, profits and cash.

​Internally assessed, externally moderated 

Theme 3: The Global Economy

• globalisation  
• economic factors in business expansion 
• impact of globalisation on global companies 
• impact of globalisation on local and national economies 
• global labour markets 
• inequality and redistribution.
 

Assessment: Coursework

Theme 2: The wider Economic Environment 

• Business growth and competitive advantage

• firms, consumers and elasticities of demand 

• productive efficiency 

• life in a global economy 

• the economic cycle 

• introduction to macroeconomic policy 

Assessment: Coursework

Theme 4:  A global perspective 

• competition and market power 
• market power and market failure
• market failure across the economy 
• macroeconomic policies and impact on firms and individuals 
• risk and the financial sector.
 

Assessment: Coursework

How will I be assessed?

3x two hour papers at the end of Y13. 

Paper 1: Markets and how they work

(Theme 1 and 4)

Paper 3: The economic environment and business

(all themes learnt)

Paper 2: Competing in the global economy

(Theme 2 and 3)

You will get weekly independent study which will range in length, skills and activities. This will typically include knowledge activities, building application, analysis skills and evaluative skills required to support you for your exams. Outside of this work, you will be required to continue to review key notes and information to keep up to date

Y12/13 Guide to Independent Learning

BUSINESS - A LEVEL & CTEC

After each lesson you should:

Examining Units 

  • Review your lesson notes and highlight anything that you do not understand so that you can ask about this in the next lesson, this should also be highlighted against your specification to ensure you are aware of what content you have covered

  • Organise and file your homework and lesson notes accordingly in your folder 

  • Complete any outstanding questions or work you did not get opportunity in lesson for both sides of the course

 

Coursework Units (Applies to CTEC only)

  • Check when your next deadline is for your coursework unit

  • Check the supporting PowerPoint and that you have included all area of the criteria to achieve 

  • Check any misunderstanding and recheck any content you do not understand and check against the specification that you have included all details

Each week...

A Level students should:

  • Review the weeks work and check what is upcoming including homework

  • Complete and review each prep and check booklets to see whether you could add any additional information

  • Completed your RAG review on your topic areas and find materials to review to close this gap with useful and meaningful work 

  • Keep updated on local and global economics via dependable news platforms

  • Create revision materials to your notes that support your current learning e.g Cornell notes, key term testing sheets

  • Test yourself on recent knowledge using Socrative, revision cards or create your own quiz using forms etc

  • Complete some questions in your A-Level case study booklet or your retrieval booklets

  • Complete some research into different Economic industries 

​

CTEC students should:

  • Review the weeks work and check what is upcoming including homework and coursework deadlines

  • Checked all improvements of course work have been completed, including spelling and grammar check

  • Check your coursework content is matching both the specification and the course requirements, adding improvements if needed

  • Update your real-world application log following the presentation in the shared Y12/13 resource area

  • Keep updated on BBC business news, creating a news story reviewing knowledge which is applied to your course 

  • Create revision materials to your notes that support your current learning e.g Cornell notes  

  • Test yourself on recent knowledge using Socrative, revision cards or create your own quiz using forms etc

At least once per half-term you should:

  • Carry out a folder cleanse. Ensure work is in a sensible order (chronological or by theme) and that sections are clearly divided ( e.g. different teachers / different topics / assessments v class work)

  • (A LEVEL) Check that all formally marked and check ONEDRIVE shared area to see if there are any concerns with previous topic areas using your topic tracker sheet

  • (CTEC) Check that all formally marked coursework has been uploaded to the correct area and labelled correctly

  • Identify any missing work and take steps to fill gaps – liaise with a trusted study partner or your teacher

  • Recheck and print all fully completed coursework to be signed off 

Throughout the year you should:

  • Complete past paper questions with mark schemes from the EDEXCEL/OCR websites: 
    Business A Level sample assessments
    Business CTEC sample assessments                

  • You should work through these questions to test your knowledge and critically assess your work using the mark schemes, which have been shared on our Y12/Y13 shared resources which can be found via the OneDrive link

 

For CTEC students:

•    If you have access to unit 1 pre-release you should be working on making notes to support your summer exams
•    Checking knowledge and understanding of all units including coursework and examining units
 

Websites & Links

Youtube channel: TakingTheBiz - Useful for key knowledge and understanding

Business A Level Spec PDF - Specification and understanding course content

Business CTEC Spec PDF - Specification and understanding course content

London Stock Exchange - Understand how companies trade

Y12/13 Guide to Independent Learning

ECONOMICS

After each lesson you should:

  • Review your lesson notes and highlight anything that you do not understand so that you can ask about this in the next lesson, this should also be highlighted against your specification to ensure you are aware of what content you have covered

  • Organise and file your homework and lesson notes accordingly in your folder 

  • Complete any outstanding questions or work you did not get opportunity in lesson for both sides of the course

  • Read key terms and diagrams

Each week you should:

  • Review the weeks work and check what is upcoming including homework

  • Complete and review each prep and check booklets to see whether you could add any additional information

  • Completed your RAG review on your topic areas and find materials to review to close this gap with useful and meaningful work 

  • Keep updated on local and global economics via dependable news platforms

  • Create revision materials to your notes that support your current learning e.g Cornell notes, key term testing sheets

  • Test yourself on recent knowledge using Socrative, revision cards or create your own quiz using forms etc

  • Complete some questions in your A-Level case study booklet or your retrieval booklets

  • Complete some research into different Economic industries 

At least once per half-term you should:

  • Carry out a folder cleanse. Ensure work is in a sensible order (chronological or by theme) and that sections are clearly divided ( e.g. different teachers / different topics / assessments v class work)

  • Check that all formally marked and check ONEDRIVE shared area to see if there are any concerns with previous topic areas using your topic tracker sheet

  • Identify any missing work and take steps to fill gaps – liaise with a trusted study partner or your teacher

  • Recheck and print all fully completed coursework to be signed off 

Throughout the year you should:

Websites & Links

Youtube channel: EconplusDal - Useful for key knowledge and understanding

A Level Economics Spec PDF - Specification and understanding course content

London Stock Exchange - Understand how companies trade

Where can these subjects take me?

BUSINESS A LEVEL & CTEC

Recommended Degree considerations:

Business
Marketing
International relations
Events management
Business and Economics
Law
Psychology
Sport and Management
Geography
Finance

Further educations recommendations:

Business Administration Apprenticeship
Business Support Apprenticeship
HR Apprenticeships
Marketing
Procurement
Management Apprenticeships
Project Management Apprenticeships
Consulting Apprenticeships
Accounting & Finance Apprenticeships
Business Management Degree Apprenticeships
Multi-channel marketer

ECONOMICS

Recommended Degree considerations:

Business
International Business
Finance
Computer science
Statistics
Data science
Politics
Law
Sociology
Economics (some specify maths)
International relations

Further educations recommendations:

Economic service degree
Engineer
Digital and technology solutions
Supply chain management
Actuary apprenticeships
Government apprenticeships
Finance apprenticeships  

Some companies offering degree apprenticeships:

Rolls Royce
BMW
PwC
Deloitte
NHS

Other career considerations

Internship
Setting up your own business
Supporting a Start-up
Working for a family run business
Becoming a lecturer in the field

SUCCESS STORIES

A mix of Business students have completed several degrees at several universities, which have been surrounded either Business related, but have gone to complete Law and Criminology, accounting, finance and Computer science. Whilst others have completed apprenticeships within the Business field, including a placement at Rolls Royce.
How to develop experience, you could either complete a work experience placement or an internship, these sometimes are offered at level 4. Use the following websites to help you search for availability:
findapprenticeshiptraining.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk
www.prospects.ac.uk/

For more information of post-school progression please check out our dedicated Careers Page for related links and guidance.

For more information on this course throughout all key stages please contact Miss A Shackleton

a.shackleton@kimberleyschool.co.uk
SPL
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