GCSE Business Studies
Examination Board: AQA Specification: 4133
What will I learn?
Almost every career path you take will revolve around the world of business; this qualification will introduce you to the concept of business and equip you with some of the necessary skills you will need to move forward in the workplace. In year 10 we study the first module entitled `Setting up a Business' this module covers a wide spectrum of business basics, the first areas of study focus on enterprise and the different legal structures of businesses, with all students being encouraged to develop their own business idea which they will be able to pitch in the school's version of a Dragon's Den. The next area of study takes a brief look at the role of marketing and market research, before we enter the world of finance to examine sources of capital and how businesses are able to manage their accounts. Our final area of study takes us to the human side of business, where we are able to gain an appreciation of recruitment, motivation and the importance of training. This is an intense period of learning with lots of new information and words for students to digest and students need to be committed to the course to succeed. Students need to be committed to the course to succeed. The Year 11 course follows a similar format to the Year 10 experience, except this time we concentrate on applying all our knowledge and understanding to the larger businesses and the global environment.
What are the entry requirements?
Students should possess a keen curiosity to understand the environment in which they exist. An interest in the news and current affairs is also an advantage, as we can draw much for the changing circumstances in which we live. There will be a great deal of new terms and language for students to learn and a good level of English would be helpful both during the course and in the final examinations, and finally there is a mathematical element to the course throughout the finance unit.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment throughout the two years of studying is in the form of homework, tests, presentations, written assignments and group tasks. In January of Year 11 there is a one hour external examination on all the work we have covered in Year 10 contributing 40% to your final GCSE result. During Year 11 a Controlled Assessment will take place, the topic changes annually and is set by the Examination Board and will contribute 25% to your final grade and finally at the end of Year 11, there is another one hour external examination based on your Year 11 studies which contributes 35% towards your final grade.
Future opportunities:
Many students choose to continue their Business Studies to AS/A2 level and then onto University. It is worth pointing out that Business Studies graduates are the third highest paid graduates on leaving University and your future could literally go global, with opportunities existing in London and all over the world. However there are other paths that you can follow, a qualification in Business Studies is a good indication to any employer that you are a mature, well informed individual who can contribute positively to their business, with some students choosing to take up apprenticeships at the end of their studies, in accountancy, management or other business related areas.
Is there anything I need to know?
This is a new subject for all students and therefore we only have two years to educate you to GCSE level, the pace of teaching is intense and there is a substantial amount of work to complete during the two years, which requires full commitment from the students. During Year 10 we endeavour to arrange one business trip to allow students to see a business at work and in the past this has been a trip to Coca-Cola in Wakefield.
