Business
Learn about what is involved in studying Business at KS4 and KS5.
Key Stage 4
Why study Business?
The world today is driven by businesses, and we interact with them on a daily basis in various ways. Studying Business Studies gives you an insight into these businesses, the decisions they make, and how you might be affected by those decisions. Business Studies is a constantly changing subject which uses real life examples to illustrate the concepts and understanding needed.
What will it be like?
At Key Stage 4, we introduce topics through case studies and real-life business examples. We look particularly at starting a business and what it takes to be successful. We encourage students to read around the subject to see how the theory and practical sides of the subject work closely together. Experiential learning is key to students understanding in this subject. All students have experience of businesses and we encourage them to link their own knowledge and experience to the learning in lessons.
Assessment
We follow the Edexcel GCSE Business Studies syllabus. Students will have two exams at the end of Year 11. Each exam is 1 hour 30 mins and is worth 50% of the total mark. The exams will test what students have learned during both years of the course.
Key Stage 5
In Key Stage 5, there is no prior knowledge of Business needed. We build on basic skills and understanding of businesses and how they operate. Students will develop knowledge, alongside skills of analysis and evaluation. They will then look at how ideas may be different depending on the business context and situation that is being studied. It is really important for students to read about real businesses and to use their own experiences to illustrate various theories.