Mr M. Lucas, Subject Leader

Staffing

Mr M. Lucas,  B.A. Econ (Hons), University of Manchester 1979
Miss K. James,  B.A. International Business (Hons), University of Liverpool 2006

GCSE & A Level Business Studies

What is GCSE Business Studies?

GCSE Business Studies is an interesting and relevant course concentrating on the understanding of how businesses are organised and how they are influenced by local, national and international pressures.

Homework may be case study work or research projects into various aspects of today’s business world. Class work will include case studies and various individual and group activities. Everything is designed to build up your knowledge, skills and examination technique; but most importantly, your ENJOYMENT of Business Studies.

Why study GCSE Business Studies?

Business Studies is a subject that fits well with all other subjects.  It also provides a sound base for those wishing to study at A level or other related courses in 16-19 education. The knowledge and skills gained here can only enhance your career in the future. Business Studies is a versatile subject that can help in many careers.

This course is an important, but not essential, foundation for the study of Business Studies or Economics at A-Level. Many students will go on to study Business or one of its many disciplines at university. All students are influenced by businesses today and will be tomorrow. Many will go on to be the entrepreneurs and managers of the future. This is a subject that can influence your future positively!

Subject Content of GCSE Business Studies

• External environment and business – economics and politics


• Enterprise and the role of the entrepreneur  


• The ownership and control of business – from the smallest to the biggest!


• Business planning – setting and using aims and objectives


• The management of people within a business - leadership and motivation


• Marketing – influencing the consumers


• Finance and accounts – working with the numbers


• Production – how goods and services are made

Business Studies at GCSE level requires logical, analytical thinking. Being able to evaluate cause and effect is important. The world of business is constantly changing, and events reported in the news will have an impact on business. Keeping up to date and with current business affairs is important so that you can apply your knowledge to the business world. How will you do this? By taking part in discussions, debates and presentations; analysing case studies and studying newspaper articles. The emphasis will be on the application of the subject to the real world, and the development of a range of life skill. Skills that will be useful in any career path that you may choose.

The core aims of GCSE Business Studies are to:

• Develop an interest and enthusiasm for business and its contribution to the wider economic and social environment


• Develop an understanding of a range of concepts and acquire an ability to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts


• Practice skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip you for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life

The Business Studies GCSE Curriculum:

AQA Syllabus

Assessment:

• Paper 1 - Structured questions based on a case study of a small business organisation and the issues that it might face –40% of the total mark


• Paper 2 - Structured questions set on large businesses – 35% of the total mark


• Controlled Assessment - is a class based research project on a small business – 25 % of the final grade

A Level Business Studies

What is A Level Business Studies?

At the Belvedere Academy we deliver AQA’s GCE ‘A’ Level in Business Studies - the market leader. The specification has been developed to provide a modern, dynamic course which is engaging and useful for students. It encourages the practical application of business concepts by exploring events in the business world and relating these to theory and practice.

Importantly, it also develops the transferable, academic skills required by higher education through using appropriate business tools and methods.

Among the many benefits, this new specification is designed to encourage candidates to explore real business situations, be practical in the application of business concepts, understand the role of the entrepreneur and business in society.

Why study A Level Business Studies?

Business Studies is a subject that fits well with all other A levels, It also provides a sound base for those wishing to study any aspect of Business at University, including Marketing, Accounting and Finance, Human Resource Management, Events Management as well as Business Management. The knowledge and skills gained here can only enhance your career in the future. Business Studies is a versatile subject that can help in many careers. Not only is it highly recognised by big corporations, banks and the government, but a qualification in business could also be valuable support in a career like marketing, law, journalism or teaching.,. The knowledge and skills gained here can only enhance your career in the future,. …. and remember -  your future will probably be in a business.

The core aims of A Level Business Studies are to:

• Develop an interest and enthusiasm for business and its contribution to the wider economic and social environment


• Develop an understanding of a range of concepts and acquire an ability to use these concepts in a variety of different contexts


• Develop an enquiring, critical and thoughtful approach to business and its impact


• Practice skills, qualities and attitudes which will equip students for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life

The Business Studies A Level Curriculum:

AQA Syllabus

During the A Level course you will study a combined total of 4 Units as follows: 
 
Unit 1 – BUSS1 - Planning and Financing a Business
40% of AS, 20% of A Level

Unit 2 – BUSS2 - Managing a Business
60% of AS, 30% of A Level

Unit 3 – BUSS3 - Strategies for Success
25% of A Level

Unit 4 – BUSS4 - The Business Environment and Managing Change
25% of A Level

AS Level

At AS Level, the specification introduces students to the challenges and issues of starting a business, including financial planning. It then explores the key internal functions of business and how the management of these functions can assist in improving the effectiveness and performance of a business.

Unit 1 - will cover  Starting a Business  &Financial Planning
Unit 2 - will cover  People & Human Resource Management,  Operations Management,  Finance, Marketing and Competition

A2 Level

At A2, the specification considers strategies for larger businesses and how these strategies may change according to circumstances. Finally, it considers the effects that external factors can have on businesses and how a business can plan for and manage change, including leadership style and change in business culture.

Unit 3 - will cover: Strategies for Success - financial, marketing, operations and HRM
Unit 4 - will cover:  External Influences including Economics & Politics, Leadership, Corporate Culture, Ethics, Managing Change in the Business World