Key Stage 4

The aim of studying the Business curriculum is to equip students with the appropriate knowledge and skills needed to develop their employability opportunities as well as understand how the local, national and global economy works. This is done through the teachings of business theory and application of various real life business case studies. Students are taught to think analytically, reach logical conclusions based on data and make judgements on future changes to markets and the economy. Students are encouraged to consider business behaviour from a variety of perspectives, using an investigative approach for their examination assessments.

The core aspect of the curriculum is split into two themes. Theme 1: Investigating a small business and Theme 2 : Building a Business.

Throughout the two year period, students will be able to develop an understanding of the key steps required to start a business, Maintain/adapt a business to meet the economic climate and the risks associated with business decision making. Students will also be able to understand the factors that influence the success and failure of businesses in both small and big organisations.

Areas of focus include:

• Business planning
• Risks and Rewards
• Business legal structures
• Employment/consumer law
• Operations management
• Financial statements
• Sources of finance

Upon completion of the course students would be able to apply key components of the subject in everyday life from choosing the most appropriate form of finance, to finance assets such as a house/car to understanding their own consumer/ employment rights which could help them make informed decisions. Students with Entrepreneurial qualities may take this further and implement learnt skills to start-up their own Enterprise.

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