Curriculum
Why study GCSE Business?
GCSE Business is designed to introduce you to the fast moving, dynamic world of Business. It is a challenging and rewarding learning experience, aiming to reflect the way in which businesses operates in a modern society. This qualification equips learners with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect business decisions. It is a well-rounded introduction to the subject and the management of finances. The qualification will encourage learners to make informed choices about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways as well as develop life skills that enable them to become financially and commercially aware.
The aim of this course is to enable students to know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society. It also assists students to develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems.
This GCSE is for you if you would like to:
- Understand the business world which you will enter after finishing school, college or university.
- Have the knowledge to help you set up a business of your own or explore investments.
- Be able to make informed decisions and put forward arguments to persuade others.
- Learn skills such as evaluation and problem solving that will be useful in a number of other subjects and careers.
GCSE Business FAQ
What will I learn?
The course is broken down into multiple chapters that are covered across the 2-year duration of the programme. Each chapter will be studied in detail and an in-class assessment will take place to review learning.
Business 01: Business Activity, Marketing and People
Students are introduced to business concepts and issues concerning the activities of a business. Students will also explore the purpose and role of a business from spotting an opportunity through to the growth of an established business. Students will also look at the role of marketing and human resources.
Business 02: Operations, Finance and Influences on Business
Students take a closer look at the role of operations and finance in business activity. Operations include production processes, quality of goods and services, customer service, and working with suppliers.
Finance includes its role, its sources, costs, profit and loss, cash and cash flow.
Students will also explore how businesses responds to external influences, such as ethical and environmental considerations, the economic climate and globalisation, and the interdependent nature of business.
How will I be assessed?
External Examination Overview:
| Paper 1 – Business (01): Business Activity, Marketing and People | 80 marks | 1 hour 30 mins | 50% |
| Paper 2 – Business (02): Operations, Finance and Influences on Business* | 80 marks | 1 hour 30 mins | 50% |
| * Indicates inclusion of synoptic assessment. | |||
Internal Assessment:
Pupils will be given a wide range of opportunities for pupils to apply their business knowledge, skills and concepts through multiple choice, short, medium and long answer questions. Use has been made of the OCR Exam Builder tool which allows past paper questions to be used to make shorter internally used assessment material. Pupils will be assessed regularly throughout the course by a series of key term and topic tests and with more formal summative tests which take place in December and June in both year 10 and 11.
What course will I follow?
Business (9-1) – J204, OCR, Qualification number: 603/0295/1
What equipment will I need?
You will need the basic writing equipment and a calculator.
Where can this subject lead to?
The course provides excellent preparation for further study and employment in the Business industry and a range of other industries. GCSE Business can lead to many vocational qualifications and is a good stepping stone for range A Level subjects, especially Business, Economics, Accountancy and Law or Level 3 BTEC business qualifications and Apprenticeships. Students can also continue the Business pathway into Higher Education and explore a Business related academic degree at University.
GCSE Business provides a strong foundation for employment, with students progressing, with further training, to a wide range of careers training such as Finance, Management, Commerce, Sales, Product Management, Investment and Marketing.
Additional Information
Useful website for GCSE Business:
- BBC Bitesize: https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zpsvr82
- Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/subject/gcse-business-studies/
- Tutor2U: https://www.tutor2u.net/business
- https://www.businessed.co.uk/
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
Textbooks used:
- OCR GCSE (9-1) Business, Third Edition
Further Reading/Resources:
- Business related TV programmes like Dragon’s Den, Inside the factory and The Apprentice, as well as watching the National and Local news on a regular basis.
- Business magazines / newspapers
