Business
BackHead of Department: Mr Z Jolin
Teachers: Mr O Jackson, Mrs J Mountford, Mrs J Thomson, Mr H Wild
The Business and Economics department is one of the largest at A Level, while Business is one of the most popular options at GCSE. The department is dedicated not only to academic excellence, but to equip all students with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience for further study and ultimately for the world of work. [Updated 2023/24]
Co-curricular activities
Young Enterprise and planned trips to national-scale businesses.
Individuals and organizations that are good react quickly to change. Individuals and organizations that are great create change.
Robert Kriegel, Sacred Cows Make The Best Burgers
GCSE: Years 10 and 11
GCSE course content
In Year 10 students begin by investigating how businesses operate in the real world, including how they set objectives, types of ownership, location decisions and expansion. They will then study choices made in marketing, as well as understanding the operations of a business; this includes production, quality management, procurement and customer service. Students will consider different approaches to human resources, including recruitment and selection processes, motivation, appropriateness of organisational structures and training.
In their second year, students investigate the interpretation of financial accounts and examining sources of finance options. Students then look at the external influences on business, such as the economy and changes in technology. Students will then have the opportunity to view the course holistically, understanding the interdependent nature of all aspects of business activity; this is through the evaluation of business strategy choices, and the long-term impact these have on the success of a business.
Assessment/examination: (1¾ hours)
Exam board: AQA
A Level: Years 12 and 13
Assessment/examination
Three exams at the end of Year 13:
Paper 1: Marketing, people and global business: themes 1, 4 – 35% (2 hours)
Paper 2: Business activities, decisions and strategies: themes 2, 3 – 35% (2 hours)
Paper 3: Investigating businesses in a competitive environment: 1, 2, 3, 4 – 30% (2 hours)
Exam board: Edexcel
Careers Education
- Business A Level provides an understanding of how businesses operate in an ever-changing environment. Excellent for students considering any profession (everyone will work for an organisation!) and any degree course.
- By the very nature of the subject, students will develop an understanding of the world of work. Students study the application process for jobs, the importance of the interview and workforce planning. They understand the changing dynamics of the labour market and how they can best plan for their future careers from this.
- Mock interview process within GCSE and A Level Business.
- University and personal statement support.
- Enterprise education delivered by the department through drop-down days and Young Enterprise.