Business Studies
Why study GCSE Applied Business?
GCSE Examination Board: EDEXCEL
Content: This Course aims to introduce students to work-related learning – by providing them with an over-view of business and industry, and equipping them with the business skills they will need in the workplace or in future training.
The course consists of 4 units:
Ø Unit 1: Investigating How Businesses Work
Ø Unit 2: Financial Records
Ø Unit 3: Investigating People, Business and Change
Ø Unit 4: Financial Planning and Forecasting
Assessment:
Units 1 and 3 are assessed by means of an internally assessed coursework portfolio based on International, National and Local businesses. Pupils will complete their research in class and at home for those units and will have 12 hours class time set aside to complete their final write up.
Units 2 and 4 are assessed by externally set tests. Pupils will sit Unit 2 in January of Year 10 and Unit 4 test at the end of Year 11. Pupils will sit a one hour examination for each of these units. The exam will have an opening scenario/context and contain structured questions. The question types will be a mixture of multiple choice, short answer and extended answer.
What will I learn?
Unit 1: this unit is an investigation into what business enterprise is all about, including how businesses are organised and how people are involved. It also looks at issues such as ‘ethical’ and ‘green’ business. You will focus on one local and one international/national business.
Unit 2: This unit focuses on how businesses record financial transactions, make payment and keep records of how well they are doing. You will learn about balance sheets and profit and loss accounts and how to use these to understand business performance in a practical context.
Unit 3: This unit builds on the ‘people’ aspect of Unit 1 and looks at customer service, recruitment (including CVs and applying for jobs) as well as legal aspects affecting businesses, for example, consumer protection. It also examines how businesses are affected by factors outside their control, such as economic trends. Again, you will choose two businesses to investigate.
Unit 4: This builds on Unit 2 and examines how businesses plan their finances, looking at topics such as cash flow and break-even forecasts together with hoe businesses budget and finance themselves.
Why Study GCE in Applied Business?
AS & A2 Level
The vocational focus of the qualification encourages students to develop an understanding of how businesses work in the real world. They discover the problems and opportunities faced by local, national and international businesses and have the opportunity to organise an enterprise activity.
Students are encouraged to take part in practical activities such as planning and running a business, organising an event or planning and undertaking a marketing campaign for a new product.
The aim of the AS units are to encourage investigation, and to support a highly active, student-centred approach.
The A2 units require a decision making approach, encouraging students to consider management decisions and their impact on business.
Students who successfully complete the qualification will be well equipped to move onto degrees, BTEC Higher National Diplomas or Modern Apprenticeships in related subjects.
Entry Requirements: Two grade Cs at GCSE Applied Business (if studied) and/or C in Maths and English
Why Study BTEC First Level Business?
BTEC first Level Business is a one year vocational qualification. It provides students with knowledge, understanding and skills they need to prepare for employment or further study such as BTEC National (equivalent to AS/A2).
The BTEC first level Business provides flexibility and choice. The students are able to study the course at 3 levels:
(1) Certificate Level: equivalent to (1 GCSE)
(2) Extended Certificate Level: equivalent to (2 GCSE)
(3) Diploma Certificate Level equivalent to: (4 GCSE)
On completion they achieve either a pass, merit or distinction grade. The course encourages learning through group work, role play, case studies, presentations, ICT based research and assignments.
Students also undertake one weeks work placement to reinforce the theory learnt in class and to prepare them for employment. Students enjoy and achieve considerable knowledge and skills from work experience.
Entry Requirements: Minimum 20 points from GCSE.
Certificate in Financial Studies
What is it?
This is a level 3 course – equivalent to AS level. It will enable you to be better prepared to understand and deal with any financial difficulties that will come your way. You will learn about why money matters and how to make personal financial judgements
Who is it for?
Year 13 students
- Pupils interested in a career in finance
- Some Year 13 pupils who do not have enough UCAS points
What will you be learning?
- Unit 1: Why money matters? 1 hour tested unit (multiple choice) = 25%
- Unit 2: Risk & reward – 1 hour tested unit (multiple choice) = 35%
- Unit 3: Making Personal Financial Judgements – written paper – 90 minutes long = 40%
For further information please contact:
Mrs S Combe
01234 400 222
