Business Studies

Business is a dynamic and ever-changing subject and covers broad topical issues from the global economy to getting hired and the importance of people to a workplace. We teach over 200 students from Y9-Y13, and imbed Business through varied working environments, using classroom technology and creative learning opportunities throughout the learning journey. We encourage every student to achieve their full potential within a friendly yet determined environment.  

Our curriculum is implemented in many ways including taught lessons and project-based learning opportunities. Recent projects have included The Chocolate Project, The Cereal Project and The Theme Park Project. Out of class experiences have included pupils undertaking primary research in Wolverhampton town centre and a visit to Cadbury’s World. 

In KS4 Business, you can decide to study two different pathways; Edexcel GCSE 9-1 or Level 2 Cambridge Nationals in Enterprise and Marketing. In both courses, we encourage visits to local and national businesses. Within the GCSE course, students will embark on a journey to develop the skills and knowledge required to sit two exams at the end of Year 11. Within Cambridge Nationals, students are able to complete coursework units alongside an external assessment, which help to balance out the demanding nature of GCSE examinations in Year 11.  

Exam Board and Specification Code 

Edexcel GCSE 9-1 Business Studies (1BS0) 

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of business. It is intended to provide students with an in-depth understanding of areas business should consider when starting up a business leading to developing a sound understanding of growing a business. The core topic areas covered in the specification are: Business Ownership, Human Resources, Business Operations, Business Finance and Marketing. A good grade at GCSE can enable you to go on to study for A Level Business or an equivalent qualification. 

What skills do I need? 

• apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues 

• develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to 

• demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems 

• develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds 

• use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements 

• develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data. 

How is the course assessed? 
The course is assessed by two written papers. Both papers are 1 hour 45 minutes in length: 

• Paper 1 Investigating Small Business, consists of four questions requiring a mixture of multiple choice answers, short answers (1-6 marks) and extended responses (9-12 marks). This paper is worth 50% of the total marks. 

• Paper 2 Growing a Business, consists of four questions requiring a mixture of 
  multiple choice answers, short answers (1-6 marks) and extended responses (9-12 marks). This paper is worth 50% of the total marks 

Each of the questions will be assessed against AO1 (knowledge), AO2 (application), AO3 (Analysis) and AO4 (Evaluation). 

Exam Board and Specification Code 

OCR Cambridge Nationals Enterprise and Marketing (J819) 

What will I do? 

All learners will study three mandatory topics as follows: 

• Enterprise and marketing concepts (R067) 

• Design a business proposal (R068) 

• Market and pitch a business proposal (RO69) 

How is the course assessed? 

• Enterprise and marketing concepts (R067) – External examination, marked and assessed by the exam board 

• Design a business proposal (R068) – coursework based assessment, set by the exam board and marked by teachers 

• Market and pitch a business proposal (RO69) coursework based assessment, set by the exam board and marked by teachers