KS4 Business Studies

Curriculum Content

The GCSE Business Studies (Single Award) course covers these essential areas of business:

1. Sources and uses of finance
2. Marketing
3. Human resources
4. External environment
5. Production
6. Ownership and control
7. Aims and objectives

Students will learn how business organisations are organised, financed and operated and about their relationships with consumers, employees, the government and other organisations.

Teaching Methods

Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups. They are taught using a wide variety of methods, which mostly lend themselves to an interactive teaching and learning experience. Methods include: discussion, pair work, group work, individual and group presentations, teacher led debate and the appropriate use of up-to-date video and textbook material.

Resources

Real-life businesses are studied through the use of local examples and video and case study material. The department has a set of NEAB textbooks produced specifically for this course, which are the most up-to-date available at the present time.

Skills and Knowledge

The course develops skills of numeracy, literacy, communication, interpretation, evaluation and decision-making. Students are encouraged to consider their own opinions and values when looking at business situations and the implications of business actions.

Assessment

Pupils are entered for the AQA examination GCSE examination and the scheme of assessment comprises:
Terminal examination 1 )
Terminal examination 2 ) 75%
One piece of coursework 25%

 

KS4 Business Studies – Applied Double Award

Curriculum Content

The Applied Double Award GCSE course covers the following three compulsory units:

1. Investigating business
2. People and Business
3. Business Finance

The aim of this course is to develop knowledge and understanding of business through investigation of a range of business organisations. This will help prepare students for employment, further education or training.

Teaching Methods

Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups. Methods include individual investigations and group work presentations, teacher led development of knowledge and textbook case study material.

Resources

Real-life businesses are studied through the use of local examples, case study material and computer applications. The Department has a variety of GCSE textbooks to aid the pupils in their investigations.

Skills and Knowledge

The course develops skills of numeracy, literacy, communication, interpretation, evaluation and decision-making. Pupils are encouraged to consider their own opinions and values when looking at business situations and the implications of business actions.

Assessment

Pupils are entered for the AQA Double Award GCSE examination and the scheme of assessment comprises:

Unit 1 A portfolio based on an investigation of two contrasting business - 33.3%
Unit 2 A portfolio based on a medium-to-large sized business - 33.3%
Unit 3 Business Finance written paper examination. 1½ hours compulsory short answer questions - 33.3%

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