Business Studies

Why do we study GCSE Business?

The intent of Business is not only providing students with new knowledge in an area of interest, but to also develop their “Enterprise and Life Skills” so that our Business students can become well rounded individuals within society. The GCSE course is designed to give students a solid, all round knowledge of Business education with the sheer number of topics being covered. This provides our students with the tools required to progress within the subject at post 16, A-level and beyond.

Year 10

Exam Specification

GCSE Business Studies
AQA Specification

Learning Outcomes

Students are introduced to the basics of Business and given the opportunity to assess the basic principles of setting up a business and what external influences can affect them. Further topics introduce the functional areas of Production and Human Resources so that students gain an understanding of their role within business. This work will prepare students for undertaking the assessments in Years 10 and 11.

Topics Taught

Autumn Term

Business in The Real World

• Enterprise
• Business Sectors
• Types of Ownership
• Business Aims and Objectives
• Location Factors
• Stakeholders
• Business Planning
• Expansion Methods

Influences on Business (1)

• Impact of Technology changes
• Ethical Considerations
• Legislation

Spring Term

Influences on Business (2)

• Environmental Factors
• Globalisation

Human Resources (1)

• Organisational Structures
• Recruitment
• Contracts of Employment

Summer Term

Human Resources (2)

• Motivation
• Training

Business Operations (1)

• Methods of Production – Job
• Methods of Production – Flow
• Efficiency in Production
• Managing Stock
• Procurement
• Quality Control
• Customer Services

 

Year 10 Documents (click to download)

Year 11

Exam Specification

GCSE Business Studies
AQA Specification

Learning Outcomes

Students build on their knowledge from Year 10 by being introduced to the functional areas of Marketing and Finance and looking at how these areas affect a business and its performance. This work is completed early in the spring term so that the students can be given time to prepare for their two GCSE exams.

Topics Taught

Autumn Term

Business Operations (2)

• Logistics
• Supply Chain Management

Marketing

• Identifying Customer Wants and Needs
• Segmentation
• Market Research
• Pricing Strategies
• 4 P’s of Marketing
• E-Commerce and M-Commerce

Spring Term

Finance

• Sources of Finance
• Cash Flow
• Financial terms and calculations
• Average Rate of Return
• Break Even Analysis
• Financial Statements

GCSE Exam preparation

Summer Term

GCSE Exam preparation

Year 11 Documents (click to download)