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

Business GCSE (OCR)

Students will develop a thorough understanding of the concepts and objectives that influence business, meanwhile also assessing this from a contemporary point of view. The course focuses on all the important foundations in business which will equip students with important and useful knowledge that can then be transferred to real-life situations. The course enables learners to develop an interest in business and entrepreneurial skills, connections between theory and practice, an informed approach to help students to evaluate their own choices for their own future working lives, and confidence in using both qualitative and quantitative data to make business decisions. It includes units focused on business activity, marketing, people, finance and the interdependent nature of business, and is assessed over two exams at the end of the course.

Key Stage 5

A-level Economics (Edexcel)

The course provides students with the ability to evaluate the world of economics and to think like a true economist. Students will build a foundation through learning microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts while using real-life businesses and economies as the basis of their research and understanding. The course enables students to appreciate the contribution of economics to the understanding of the wider social environment, use an enquiring and critical approach to the study of economics, and develop analytical and quantitative skills together with attitudes that will equip them for challenges and opportunities of adult and working life. The course has the ability to allow tremendous thinkers and economists to shine.

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