Business

Overview: Year 10 and 11

GCSE Business helps students understand how businesses operate in the real world, from small start-ups to large international organisations. Students explore how businesses identify opportunities, manage finances, market products, motivate employees and respond to external influences such as technology, legislation and the economy. The course develops key skills including decision making, numeracy, analysis, evaluation and problem solving, while

encouraging creativity, enterprise and confidence.

Overview Year 12 and 13

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business provides students with a practical, real-world understanding of how businesses operate. The course combines examined units with coursework-based assessments, allowing students to apply theory to realistic business scenarios. Students develop transferable skills such as research, communication, teamwork, financial analysis and independent learning, preparing them for university, apprenticeships or employment.

Teaching staff:

Miss Brooks
Ms Robinson
Mr Thomson
Mr Soulsby

Year 10
Summary of curriculum:	In Year 10, students focus on Theme 1: Investigating Small Business. They learn how business ideas are developed, how entrepreneurs take risks, and how small businesses plan, finance and operate effectively. Students also explore the importance of understanding customers, competitors and external influences on business decisions.
Main Topics:	• Enterprise and entrepreneurship • Spotting a business opportunity • Market research and market segmentation • Business aims and objectives • Revenue, costs, profit and break-even • Cash flow and sources of finance • Business ownership and franchising • Marketing mix (product, price, promotion, place) • Business plans • Stakeholders, technology, legislation and the economy
Assessment throughout the year:	• End-of-topic knowledge tests • Calculation-based assessments (e.g. break-even, cash flow) • Extended written responses using GCSE command words • Mock examination (PPE)-style questions • End-of-year internal examination based on Paper 1
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:	• Encourage discussion about real businesses seen in everyday life • Support revision of key terms and calculations • Help students practise explaining answers using examples • Encourage regular review of class notes and homework • Discuss business-related news stories and current events
Character enrichment opportunities:	• Developing confidence, independence and decision-making • Understanding risk-taking and resilience • Encouraging creativity and entrepreneurial thinking • Building communication and teamwork skills
Useful websites:	• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize (GCSE Business) • www.tutor2u.net/business • www.senecalearning.com • www.businessed.co.uk

Year 11
Summary of curriculum:	In Year 11, students study Theme 2: Building a Business, focusing on how businesses grow and make strategic decisions. Students develop deeper analytical and evaluative skills, applying knowledge to real-world contexts and preparing for the two externally assessed GCSE examinations.
Main Topics:	• Business growth (internal and external) • Globalisation and international trade • Ethics and environmental issues • Marketing decisions (product, price, promotion and place) • Operations and production methods • Supply chains and quality management • Financial performance and profitability ratios • Human resource decisions: recruitment, training and motivation • Organisational structures and ways of working
Assessment throughout the year:	• Regular exam-style questions and timed practice • Data response and case study questions • Calculation and interpretation of financial information • Mock examinations (PPE) for Papers 1 and 2 • Final GCSE examinations (May/June)
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:	• Encourage structured revision and exam practice • Support time management and revision planning • Help students practise evaluation and justification questions • Encourage use of mark schemes and examiner feedback • Discuss how businesses respond to real-world challenges
Character enrichment opportunities:	• Developing analytical and evaluative thinking • Building resilience and exam confidence • Understanding ethical decision making • Preparing students for further study, apprenticeships or employment
Useful websites:	• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize (GCSE Business) • www.tutor2u.net/business • www.senecalearning.com • www.pearsonschools.co.uk

Year 12
Summary of curriculum:	In Year 12, students are introduced to the fundamentals of business through a combination of coursework and examination units. They explore how different types of businesses operate and are introduced to key financial principles that underpin business decision making.
Main Topics:	Unit 1 – Exploring Business (Coursework) Students investigate real businesses, examining their purpose, ownership, structure and the environment in which they operate. They explore how businesses succeed by understanding their aims, stakeholders, and the influence of external factors. Unit 3 – Personal and Business Finance (Exam) Students develop an understanding of personal finance and business finance, including budgeting, cash flow, financial statements and the impact of financial decisions on individuals and organisations.
Assessment throughout the year:	• Controlled coursework assignments for Unit 1 • Research and presentation-based assessments • Regular knowledge checks and exam practice for Unit 3 • Mock examinations (PPE) and timed assessment practice
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:	• Encourage good organisation and meeting coursework deadlines • Support independent research and note-taking • Discuss financial decisions and real-world business examples • Encourage revision using exam-style questions and practice papers
Character enrichment opportunities:	• Developing independence and self-management • Improving research and analytical skills • Building professional communication skills • Developing financial awareness and responsibility
Useful websites:	• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize (BTEC Business) • www.tutor2u.net/business • www.senecalearning.com • www.pearsonschools.co.uk

Year 13
Summary of curriculum:	In Year 13, students build on their prior knowledge by focusing on marketing and customer service. They develop strategic thinking skills and apply business theory to realistic and demanding scenarios, preparing them for progression beyond sixth form.
Main Topics:	Unit 2 – Developing a Marketing Campaign (Exam) Students explore how businesses plan and develop effective marketing campaigns. They analyse market research, target markets, the marketing mix and campaign objectives, applying their knowledge to a pre-released case study. Unit 14 – Investigating Customer Service (Coursework) Students investigate how businesses deliver effective customer service, examining customer needs, service standards, complaint handling and the use of technology to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Assessment throughout the year:	• Controlled coursework assignments for Unit 14 • Case study analysis and exam preparation for Unit 2 • Mock examinations (PPE) and timed assessment practice • Final external assessments and internal verification
How parents/carers can support their child’s learning:	• Encourage consistent revision alongside coursework deadlines • Support time management and independent study skills • Discuss marketing strategies and customer service experiences • Encourage reflection on feedback and target setting
Character enrichment opportunities:	• Developing leadership and decision-making skills • Enhancing analytical and evaluative thinking • Building resilience through independent study • Developing employability and customer-focused skills
Useful websites:	• www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize (BTEC Business) • www.tutor2u.net/business • www.senecalearning.com • www.pearsonschools.co.uk

Subject contact: Ann Brooks

annbrooks@darlaston.graceacademy.org.uk

GET IN TOUCH

Grace Academy Darlaston, Herberts Park Road, Darlaston, Wednesbury. West Midlands WS10 8QJ

Main Office: 0121 568 3300

Email: enquiries@darlaston.graceacademy.org.uk