Business Studies

The course offers pupils an introduction to a wide range of business skills and an understanding of the ways businesses work. Pupils work through two themes, each containing five separate units that focus on different areas of business start-up and management. Pupils are encouraged to apply their knowledge to case study examples and their own understanding. The skills and knowledge gained from a Business Studies course are directly transferable to the workplace and also support more wider study in finance, economics and maths. It is considered an academic subject and is highly sought after by sixth form colleges, universities and employers.

Where can this subject take you? 

Studying GCSE Business Studies opens a wide range of further education opportunities and potential career pathways. Beyond GCSE, the content supports both A level Economics and BTEC Business Studies as well as finance-related apprenticeships. Equally, the broad nature of the course enables an equally large range of University courses from Business Management, Finance, Economics to HR, Marketing and International Business.

Course Content/Structure 

Theme 1 – Investigating a small business: 

Within this theme, pupils will focus on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for pupils to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business. 

Theme 2 – Building a business: 

Pupils examine how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with an emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. It also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows. 

Assessment

Each theme has its own examination paper, each counting towards 50% of the final grade. There are 90 marks available in each paper. 

Section A: 35 Marks 
Section B: 30 Marks 
Section C: 25 Marks 

Pupils learn through individual research, teacher-led discussions, presentations, group projects, mock and practice exams, and a range of other activities and tasks. 

They will visit local businesses to apply their learning and will also have guest lectures from successful entrepreneurs. Pupils are encouraged to develop their own entrepreneurial skills and are taught and guided through the necessary steps to develop a business idea. 

Additional Information

Exam Board:
EDEXCEL GCSE

Head of Department:
Mike Hooper – mkph@rydeschool.net 
Tom Harding (i/c GCSE Business Studies)