Business Studies
Students have the opportunity to study GCSE business courses which provide the framework to naturally progress to A Level Business. In Business, studied at KS4 and KS5, we aim to educate students in the wider business world, and inspire them through the study of real-world business. The course has been designed to engage students through topics that are relevant in today’s society from technology to Covid 19.
The business courses aim to develop skills that are needed for further study and employment:
- Creativity
- Entrepreneurship
- Ability to apply knowledge; learnt to real life scenarios
- Skills needed to critically analyse
- Ability to make informed decisions
Key Stage 4
GCSE Business Studies
We follow the AQA GCSE Business Studies course, which is examined by six different content areas: Business in the real world, Influences on business, Business operations, Human resources, and Marketing and Finance.
Students will apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts ranging from small enterprises to large multinational corporations and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. Students develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour.
In Year 10, students begin by learning about the purpose of business activity, the role of business enterprise and entrepreneurship, and the dynamic nature of business. They follow this with a study of the importance of external influences upon business and then with work on business operations, learning how business operations, human resources, marketing and finance are interdependent, and studying the importance of business planning. They finish Year 10 with a study of Human Resources.
In Year 11, students learn about the purpose of marketing and finance, their roles within business and how they influence business activity. They create cash flow forecasts for businesses and learn how to analyse the financial performance of a business, before concluding with revision of all topics for the examination.
Cambridge National: Marketing and Enterprise
We also follow the Cambridge National course of Marketing and Enterprise. The Cambridge National Certificate in Enterprise is for learners who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in enterprise and marketing. It is designed with both practical and theoretical elements, which will prepare students for further study of qualifications in enterprise, marketing or business. Students have the opportunity to learn about the world of business with a particular focus on marketing. They develop a range of transferable skills, including presentation and communication skills.
Key Stage 5
We follow the Edexcel specification for A Level Business Studies. It explores the theory and practice behind the real world of business both in the UK and internationally, considering real-life business case studies and applying practical business concepts to students’ own ideas.
In Year 12 students study two themes, Marketing and People and Managing Business Activities, introducing students to the basics of marketing and human resource management, including work on meeting customer needs, marketing mix and strategy, raising finance, and financial planning.
In Year 13, students study Business Decisions and Strategy and Global Business, addressing key areas of decision making and strategy development in Business, including business objectives and strategy, business growth, and influences on business decisions. For Global Business, students learn about globalisation, global markets and business expansion, and global marketing.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
We follow the Dragons Apprentice Programme. Enterprise education provides young people with the skills, competencies and mindset to make the most of everyday opportunities and challenges. Being enterprising is something which can be applied to all aspects of life and work – identifying and initiating opportunities as well as adapting your response to situations. Students who join Dragons Apprentice are expected to set up a company, make/source products for sale at Christmas and local markets in Hertfordshire. They then conclude the programme with a presentation of their business. In addition to this throughout the year they will compete in various business related competitions.