GCSE Business Studies
The course awards students with a GCSE in Business Studies.
Why should students study this course?
- To encourage students to be inspired, moved and challenged by following a broad, coherent, satisfying and worthwhile course of study and gain an insight into related sectors. It should prepare students to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices.
- To actively engage in the study of business and economics to develop as effective and independent students and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
- To use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts and opinions, to build arguments and make informed judgements.
- To develop and apply their knowledge, understanding and skills to contemporary issues in a range of local, national and global contexts.
- To appreciate the range of perspectives of different stakeholders in relation to business and economic activities.
- To consider the extent to which business and economic activity can be ethical and sustainable.
Skills
The following are skills within business contexts you would be expected to develop during the course:
- practical skills – time management, personal organisation and action planning
- presentational skills – addressing audiences using a variety of media and forms
- personal skills – showing evidence of progression
- interpersonal skills – communication and group work
- cognitive skills – reflection and review of own and others’ performances.
What does the course consist of?
Unit 1 Introduction to Small Business
This unit concentrates on the key issues and skills involved in enterprise. It provides a framework to consider the marketing, financial, human and operational issues involved in starting and running a small business.
Unit 2 Investigating Small Business
In this unit students will use the content of unit 1 to research, analyse and evaluate a selected task on enterprise issues. Students select one Edexcel set task from a choice of five.
Unit 3 Building a Business
This unit builds on unit 1 and 2. It focuses on practical methods used to build up a business, with an emphasis on aspects of marketing, customer service, financial and people management. It also considers the impact of the wider world on the success or failure of a business.
How will students be assessed?
Unit 1: Written examination (45 minutes) (25% of the total GCSE)
Unit 2: Internally assessed under controlled conditions (3 hours write up) (25% of the total GCSE)
Unit 3: Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes) (50% of the total GCSE)
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