Business Studies
Subject philosophy/ purpose
The Business Studies Department aim to deliver a creative and relevant curriculum which is accessible by all learners.
As a department we aim to produce students who:
- at KS4, apply the concepts of Business Studies
- have a feeling of confidence about their mathematical ability.
- are ICT literate
- have a knowledge and understanding of their progress
- work at and to their maximum potential
- achieve excellent results at KS4 and KS5
- continue to want to develop and study Business Studies, whether as post 16 students, lifelong learners or recreationally.
- can access the internet and social media safely and responsibly
As teachers we:
- will be consistent in practice
- are enthusiastic about our subject and believe in what we are teaching
- employ varying teaching and learning styles
- expect high standards of behaviour, punctuality and work
- will be supportive of staff and students
- will be efficient in all aspects of our job
- will work as effective team players
- value our own professional development
- share best practice and our areas of expertise within the department and to support the wider school community.
Careers for Business students are varied, including:
Accountancy, Business Analysis, Human Resources, Sales, Marketing, Management, Insurance, Banking, International Business.
Curriculum Vision/intents
Awareness of the world is a key focus within the Business Studies curriculum. We aim to give our students an understanding of how to not only work within business but to also understand how the way in which businesses work affects their financial well-being. By teaching our students business, we aim to provide them with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their chosen field of work or to be able to set up a business of their own. Students need to understand key principles such as marketing, ownership and finance (both personal and business). By knowing how a business interacts with their customers, our students can successfully engage with others in many different situations.
Our lessons are designed for students who want an introduction to business and enterprise. It has been developed to enthuse and inspire students about a career in business and enterprise.
The study of Business Studies will appeal to students who wish to either set up their own business, move into employment or progress into further study. At all levels of Business Studies, every opportunity is taken to bring into lessons current affairs so that students can further their understanding that Business Studies is a live subject and that everything that happens can affect not just the companies, but the students as consumers. Students are encouraged to be able to identify the differences between ethical behaviour and behaviours of companies who simply act within the law. By creating critical thinkers with a sound understanding of the principles of Business we aim to develop savvy consumers and entrepreneurs of the future.
Curriculum Implementation
KS4 – BTEC Level 1/Level 2 Tech Award in Enterprise (Pearson/Edexcel):
This course is for students who wish to acquire knowledge and skills through vocational contexts by studying the knowledge, behaviours and skills related to researching, planning, pitching and reviewing an enterprise idea as part of their Key Stage 4 learning. The qualification enables students to develop their technical skills, such as market research skills, planning, promotional and financial skills using realistic work scenarios, and personal skills, (such as monitoring own performance, time management, problem solving and business presentations) through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment. Students will acquire knowledge, understanding and skills to underpin their practical activities in assessment, which will complement their GCSEs.
Business Studies L1_2 Learning Journey
Full curriculum content can be found in
Business Studies Curriculum KS4
KS5 – BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business (Pearson/Edexcel):
Year 12 and 13 Business Studies has units being taught at the same time due to the split in teachers and the nature of the course. In Year 12 all must complete Units 1 and 2, which allows students to achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Business; in Year 13 all students must complete Units 3 and a further optional unit to reach the full Extended Certificate qualification, as illustrated in
Business Studies L3 Learning Journey.
Full curriculum content can be found in
Business Studies Curriculum KS5
Extra Curricular
The Business Studies department provides a range of enrichment activities. Year 10/11 students have guest speakers from local small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) on which to base their company research, including small private limited companies and local sole traders. In Year 12/13, students are offered a company visit to organisations such as JCB Ltd or Ornua Foods to enhance their understanding of organisations (although during the pandemic this was limited). Guest speakers from the local area, such as F.Ball Ltd, also enable students to gain an insight and ask detailed questions of the visitor. Students have also taken part in the annual CIPFA Management Team Games at Staffordshire University which broadens their experience of the public sector and develops skills in group work. At appropriate times during the year, we find opportunities to support students and hold revision/coursework sessions at lunchtimes prior to exams and coursework deadlines. Year 9 students experience an introduction to enterprise through the Year 9 Enterprise Challenge Days where they experience a Dragon’s Den event with visiting representatives from local enterprises and educational institutions.