Key Stage 4
Business Studies

GCSE in Applied Business is a nationally recognised, work-related qualification designed to provide you with a choice of routes into further education or employment.  This course teaches the skills and knowledge you need to follow a career in any industry.  Some examples are shown below:

• communication skills - clear and persuasive talker, good listener

• numeracy - good with figures

• good time management skills -  always gets things done on time

• knowledge about other businesses

• good buying and selling skills

• good presentation skills

• team working skills - gets on well with different kinds of people, friendly and cheerful

• leadership skills - respected and strong-willed

• computer skills - lessons are in a modern computer suite

• all pupils also take part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme.

How can this GCSE support your career pathways?

A GCSE in Applied Business can allow you to progress to:

·     taking a Business AS Level or Advanced Vocational Business in sixth form or college

·     taking a modern apprenticeship in a business

·     setting up your own business

·     gaining a professional qualification as an accountant, marketer, public relations executive, solicitor, etc

·     general business work in offices or shops.

What will you be doing if you take a GCSE in Applied Business?

The two-year course is made up of three units:

·     Unit 1 - Investigating Business

      This looks at what businesses do, how they compete, how businesses use IT and what the law says about businesses.  You will visit and research two businesses for your coursework.  This unit is coursework-based and assignments are spread evenly throughout the two years.  It will count towards your final grade.

·     Unit 2 - People and Business

      This unit examines in detail the importance of employees.  You will learn about rights and responsibilities of employees and employment law.  This unit is coursework-based.

·     Unit 3 - Business Finance

      This unit looks at how businesses deal with money.  You will learn about costs and profit.  A written paper assesses this unit.

Sounds great?

You must be prepared to work hard, explore new ideas, use ICT in your work and have an interest in business.  All pupils who select this option must have at least Level 4 in English and Maths.

Examination Board:  EDEXCEL

About this Course

The BTEC First in Enterprise (otherwise known as “Preparing for Enterprise”) is a new award at intermediate Level 2.  It gives pupils the opportunity to explore the range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.  This applies equally to those who are considering working for an employer in any business sector or taking a step further and thinking about setting up and running their own business.

The qualification consists of 90 guided learning hours.  It is a varied programme involving tuition from an experienced Business Tutor, and a group of individual assignments.

Assessment

The learner will be required to produce evidence for assessment (as far as possible on a practical basis) by using presentations, written plans, research details and guided discussions.

The group will study the following modules:

·     Preparing for Business

      -     the benefits of starting a business

      -     the learner’s own strengths and weaknesses, experience and skills

      -     how to plan personal contribution to a business

      -     how to plan personal financial need

·     Preparing to start and run your own Business

      -     how to design a business plan

      -     the main ideas on starting a business

      -     the main ideas on running a business

      -     how to research available advice and support

·     Planning for Marketing and Sales

      -     basic market research

      -     potential customers and how to reach and retain them

      -     product or service pricing

      -     promotion of a service or product

Careers

This examination course can lead to:

·     a Business AS Level or advanced vocational course at sixth form or college

·     the BTEC National in Business Studies

·     setting up your own business

·     professional accountancy courses such as AAT.ACCA, CIMA, or any advanced level qualification

·     a modern apprenticeship

Interested?

·       You must have at least Level 4 in English and Maths at KS3.

·     You must be prepared to work hard, explore new ideas, use ICT and have an interest in business.