Business Studies

The Business Department aims to develop and maintain students’ ability to work independently whilst developing their imagination and creativity in the understanding of business ideas and concepts. The Head of Department is Mrs Nicola Moran who teaches GCSE Business Studies, Level 3 BTEC Business and A Level Economics.  Mr Oan Shah teaches Level 1/2 Tech Award in Enterprise and Level 3 BTEC Business and A Level Economics.

Curriculum

Key Stage 4

GCSE Business

GCSE Business is a popular option at Key Stage 4. The course enables students to understand business activity and the impact that businesses have on individuals and the wider society. It also enables students to develop problem solving and decision making skills relevant to business.

BTEC Level 1 & Level 2 Tech Award in Enterprise

Learners will receive a practical introduction to life and work as an entrepreneur.   They will develop an aptitude for planning and researching an enterprise idea. They will develop skills and ways of working that are important for enterprise. Learners will complete three components over two years, two are assignment based and one is an external exam.

Component 1 – Exploring enterprises. Learners will examine different enterprises to develop knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of enterprises and the skills needed by entrepreneurs.

Component 2 – Planning for and pitching an enterprise activity. Learners will select an idea for a small enterprise activity to plan and pitch their own business plan to an audience.

Component 3 – Promotion and finance for enterprise. Learners will explore different promotional methods used by enterprises and the factors that influence them. They will also explore financial documents and how to use them to monitor and improve performance.

The course is assessed through assignments with the exception of the promotion and finance for enterprise component which will be assessed by an exam lasting two hours and is worth 40% of the overall grade. The assignments will include a variety of assessment methods including case studies, observations, presentations and time constrained assessments.  Learners will achieve pass, merit or distinction grades in their assignments.  They will then be awarded an overall Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction* for the whole course.

Key Stage 5

The A Level Economics is a popular and successful course. The main aim of the course is for students to develop both an understanding of relevant economic and business concepts and theories and an ability to apply them to a range of real world issues. We also run a BTEC National Level 3 Diploma in Business which is an excellent vocational course giving students an experience of the world of work through a variety of different units including recruitment, finance and marketing.

Enrichment

There are many opportunities for students to participate in enrichment activities. There are a range of competitions that students enter throughout the year; all students take part in the Student Investor Portfolio Challenge which involves buying £100,000 of virtual shares in the FTSE 100 and managing their portfolio. Year 12 students take part in a programme of careers advice which includes a one-to-one session on careers guidance, alumni visits from past students which provide an insight into different careers, and a two week work placement. Year 11 BTEC students have the opportunity to visit Cadbury World as part of their marketing unit. Students in the Sixth Form have the opportunity to attend the Business Live event at Disneyland Paris.  All BTEC Business students experience visits from a number of small business owners.

Careers

Business and Economics can lead to career opportunities in many sectors – including marketing, public relations and human resources – both inside and outside the UK. There are degree courses which combine Business with other subjects, for example languages, ICT and Law. A qualification in Business enables students to use their knowledge and skills in a range of different fields, including the arts, administration, retail, health services and hotel management.

Staff

  • Mrs Nicola Moran – Head of Department
  • Mr Oan Shah – Teacher of Business Studies
  • Mr Cameron Omar – Teacher of BTEC Business and Teacher of Physical Education; Student Leadership and Character Coordinator
  • Mr Aron Carr – Teacher of Economics

Links

BBC Bitesize – http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/business/

Tutor 2 U – http://tutor2u.net/blog/index.php/business-studies/

Bized – http://www.bized.co.uk/learn/business/index.htm

Revision Station – http://www.revisionstation.co.uk/

Business Studies Online – http://www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk/live/

Times 100 – http://www.thetimes100.co.uk/

Edexcel – http://www.edexcel.com/quals/firsts2012/business/Pages/default.aspx

OCR – http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/subjects/business/index.html

BBC News – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/

Website Links – http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Search.aspx?Subject=4

Business Studies Degrees – http://www.whatuni.com/degrees/courses/degree-courses/business-degree-courses-london/m/london/r/8219/page.html