Curriculum Intent

GCSE Business helps students understand how businesses work and the role they play in society. Students explore entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and human resources whilst developing key skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, communication and analysis. The course encourages students to think critically about real-world issues and equips them with the knowledge and transferable skills needed for further study, future careers and everyday life.

Key Stage 4

Students will start by exploring the world of small businesses through the lens of an entrepreneur. How and why do business ideas come about? What makes a successful business? Students learn how to develop an idea, spot an opportunity and turn it into a successful business. Students will understand how to make a business effective, manage money and see how the world around us affects small businesses and all the people involved.

Students will move on to investigating business growth. How does a business develop beyond the start-up phase? You’ll learn about key business concepts and issues and decisions you need to make when growing a business and working in a global business. Students will learn about meeting customer needs, making marketing, operational, financial and human resourcing decisions and you’ll explore how the wider world impacts the business as it grows.

This course helps students understand how businesses operate and make decisions in real-world contexts. It covers key concepts such as:​

• Entrepreneurship and enterprise
• Marketing and finance​
• Human resources and operations​
• External influences on business​

 

The course is split into two main themes:​

• Theme 1: Investigating Small Business - Focuses on how small businesses are set up, run, and grow. It includes spotting business opportunities, understanding customer needs, and making financial decisions.​
• Theme 2: Building a Business​ - Explores how larger businesses expand and operate. It includes marketing strategies, business growth, and managing people and production.

 

Assessment

100% of the overall mark is generated through two exams. Both exams are 1 hour 45 minutes with a variety of multiple-choice, short- and extended writing questions.