CURRICULUM
Business Studies
Business Studies Curriculum Intent
Business provides students with the knowledge, practice and confidence they need to become the next generation of capable employees and entrepreneurs. Our students will explore real-world situations to develop and embed these entrepreneurial skills, which will enable them to become finance friendly, analytical, articulate and problem solvers.
Key STRANDS
Develop business knowledge and a conceptual understanding
Students are introduced to the world of business and given the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of business concepts and the impact of external issues. This is delivered through a variety of activities that allow students to link their understanding problem solving activities and decision making.
It is important that students that are able to carry out research and interpret the data collected through a number of presentation methods. Students will develop numeracy skills to allow them to calculate profit and become finance friendly. They will then use numerical data to help them make decisions and solve business related problems.
Collate & manipulate data/ information
Articulate and communication
An effective business students has the ability to work effectively as a team and the confidence to succeed as an individual. They will persevere when working hard on their presentation skills and develop their exam analysis and evaluation.
Students will engage in the subject through an application of real-life businesses and having the opportunity to develop employability skill through joint projects with our college Careers & Enterprise team.Â
Interpretation/ application of real-world issues
Year 10 GCSE
Content – This will be an introduction into the purpose of a business, including what stakeholders are, the risks & rewards involved in an entrepreneur start-up a business.
Skills – · Presenting information · Working independently
Introduction to business (Suitability project)
This will be an introduction into the purpose of a business, including what stakeholders are, the risks & rewards involved in an entrepreneur start-up a business.
We will also look into the importance of focusing on customer needs when collecting when carrying out research, including customer feedback.
Skills -
• Collecting research, e.g. questionnaires.
• Collating & interpreting data
• Decision making
• Presenting information
• Working independently
Theme 1: Business environment
Students will investigate competitive markets & the importance of a business developing a competitive advantage, through the use of differentiation.
In addition students will look into the legalities of protection their business ideas to ensure that they protect their business.
Students will use numerical skills to calculate market share.
Skills
• Collating & interpreting data
• Decision making
• Presenting information
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Analyse & evaluation
Theme 1: Financial planning
Students will gain an understanding of cash v. cashflow and will use their numerical skills to calculate revenue, costs, profit & breakeven analysis & how information can be used to aid decision-making.
Skills
• Decision making
• Numeracy – Finance friendly
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
Theme 1: Business Start-ups
Students will gain an understanding of the options around starting up your own business, including types of business ownership and options for financing the business. They will also look at how to put together a business plan & setting suitable SMART aims & objectives.
Skills
• Linking learning & knowledge
• Decision making
• Real-world issues
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Analyse & evaluation
Theme 1: Attracting & Retaining Customers
Students will look into the importance of creating an effective Marketing Mix that will support the success of the business/ products & lead to repeat custom, including advertising, promotions & pricing strategies.
Skills
• Linking learning & knowledge
• Decision making
• Real-world issues
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Analyse & evaluation
Theme 1: Recruitment
Students will have the opportunity to look into the world of business, as we work with the Careers & Enterprise on methods of recruitment, the training & development available & for personal development of how to apply for a job. We will then investigate the organisational structures of small & medium to large businesses & how businesses can motivation employees to be more productive.
Skills
• Decision making
• Real-world issues
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Employability skills
• Analyse & evaluation
YEAR 11 GCSE
Theme 2: External influences
Students will investigate competitive markets & the impact that changes in the economy will have on businesses globally, e.g. inflation, exchange rates, interest rates, etc.
We will also look at the impact on technology & legislation on the business & the importance of businesses from an ethical standpoint.
Skills
• Decision making
• Real-world issues
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
Theme 2: Production
We will investigate the different working operations within a business, e.g. batch, job & mass production, etc. Along with the importance of working with suppliers to ensure efficiency. Students need to understand the methods & benefits of managing quality. Students will also gain an insight into the sales process.
Skills -
• Collating & interpreting data
• Decision making
• Presenting information
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Analyse & evaluation
Theme 2: Product Development
Students will begin to use the research they have carried out to make informed decision when creating 3-4 product designs specific for their target market.
Then using additional research, students will make justified choices to make improvements to their final hat choice.
Students will also look into the importance of creating a brand to provide a unique selling point for their product designs.
Skills
• Linking learning & knowledge
• IT skills
• Decision making
• Working independently
• Analyse & evaluation
Theme 2: Business success
Students will look into how businesses grow, e.g. internal & external. We will also look at how growth can lead to economies of scale & as a result of expansion there will be a need for the business to change its aims & objectives.
Skills
• Linking learning & knowledge
• Decision making
• Real-world issues
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Analyse & evaluation
Theme 2: Business performance
Students will be expected to assess the financial performance of a business.
Students will also use their numerical skills to calculate Gross/ Net profit and in addition percentage changes in the average rate of return (ARR).
Skills
• Decision making
• Numeracy – Finance friendly
• Working independently
• Working effectively as a team
• Analyse & evaluation
