Business
What is Business?
Business is an exciting and dynamic course which examines how businesses work internally, and how they respond to changes in the wider world and society. Students learn a range of skills in marketing, finance, business strategy and global business.
It is well-suited for students who can write well, have an interest in the world of business and entrepreneurship, and possess good numerical skills.
We follow the Edexcel specification.
What will I study in Business?
We start the course by learning about how entrepreneurs create ideas, market their products and manage people. The initial emphasis is small businesses and is useful for those with such ambitions in mind. We then extend our learning to cover finance, resource management, and how the wider economy and society impacts on business.
As we progress through the course, we look at business strategy for medium and large businesses, how businesses expand into global markets and the importance of competitiveness. We study change management in an increasingly uncertain world. The final exam is synoptic in nature and you will need to be able to make connections between all of the different parts of the course and how businesses fit into the wider world.
Staff and facilities
The department is based in the new Woodsmoor building and enjoys three well-equipped, spacious teaching rooms. Each classroom has interactive whiteboards and multimedia facilities.
There are three full-time teachers and one part-time teacher in the department. The department has grown in recent years due to a significant increase in pupil numbers at A Level. We also train and develop associate teachers in the department from a range of universities.
The course
IGCSE Business Studies
The IGCSE Business Studies course is designed to explore all aspects of business; considering the variety of decisions a business needs to undertake and the wide range of factors a business must consider when making these decisions. The nature of the course is that all theory is discussed in relation to case studies and real life businesses. No theory is simply accepted on its own. As we go through the course we realise that reasons for one business being successful, could be the same reasons for another business failing!
The course is split into six sections:
- Understanding business activity
- People in business
- Marketing
- Operations management
- Financial information and decisions
- External influences on business activity
We cover the first three sections in the first year of the course and the second three sections in the second year of the course. We follow the Cambridge IGCE Business Studies specification.
A Level
First Year
During the first year in Marketing and People (Theme 1) we will learn about how entrepreneurs create new ideas and start their own business. The emphasis is very much on small businesses and is useful for those with such ambitions in mind. It also considers the marketing mix and focuses upon how businesses can effectively manage their staff.
In Managing Business Activities (Theme 2) we extend our learning to cover businesses that operate on a national level, with more emphasis on larger scale management and the effects of external influences. There will also be a focus upon the financial side of running a business.
Second Year
During the second year in Business Decisions and Strategy (Theme 3) we learn about big, global, multinational businesses and the differing strategies they pursue to survive and prosper in an increasingly uncertain world. We study finance, marketing, human resources and operations management in much more depth, with more emphasis on how these all work together.
In Global Business (Theme 4) we consider the impact of globalisation and how businesses change their marketing strategies when entering overseas markets.
Typical issues we might consider in the course include:
- Why do business start-ups often fail?
- How does a firm decide the best strategy for marketing a product?
- Are employees motivated by financial rewards?
- Do firms such as BP, McDonalds and Nestlé do business in an ethical manner?
- How important is leadership in business success?
Business is suitable for a range of students. Whilst the course will not necessarily teach you how to get rich, it is useful for anyone considering starting their own business or pursuing a career in the business world. A Level Business is, in particular, valued by employers because of the practical skills learned on the course. The course is also of value for a wide range of professions including accountancy, law, finance, retail, management or any career that demands an understanding of the wider world. Good written skills are important, particularly the ability to analyse using business theories.
A Level Business is assessed at the end of the two year course through three 2 hour exams. Themes 1 and 4 are assessed in first paper followed by Themes 2 and 3 in the second paper. The examining session finishes with a synoptic exam based on an investigation into a particular market with a theme of the competitive environment.
Please consult the Sixth Form Handbook for further information
How useful will Business be to me?
Most careers involve some element of the Business A Level. The course is highly regarded by the Confederation of British Industry.
Business is very useful for anyone considering starting their own business or working in business. It also supports a range of professional careers including accountancy, law and management, while also giving students who are interested in design and technology increased customer-focus.
Who should study Business?
Business as a subject covers a variety of disciplines and skills so it is suitable for a range of pupils from the Humanities subjects, together with those considering A Levels that are practical in nature.
It combines especially well with Design Technology, English, Maths, Economics, Geography and Psychology. You should have the ability to produce good, extended writing, and have good numeracy skills.
Co-curricular activities
Support sessions
Throughout the year the department runs support sessions to aid pupils and the progress. Sessions focus on mathematical aspects of A Level Business such as financial ratios and critical path analysis, to name just a few. Pupils are then able to calculate effectively and interpret the data. In addition, other sessions focus upon the various theory covered within the course and pupils use the large whiteboards to plan responses.
Guest speakers
During the year the department invites guest speakers into school to deliver talks to the pupils. Guest speakers share their experiences in the world of business and the challenges that they have faced and how they have overcome them. It is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to hain real world insight.
Extra classes
The department also runs extra classes either during lunchtime or after school on advanced, interesting topics that we would not normally cover on the A Level course. These extra sessions also include a programme of speakers from local businesses.
Overseas trips
In previous years the department has run overseas trips to Prague and China.
Such trips provide pupils with the opportunity to visit local businesses and understand how other economies operate, consider the external factors affecting the country and its businesses and enhance their knowledge of globalisation.