Business

Developing Moral Capital

Our moral capital in Business lessons allows students to have the opportunity to understand how living in a democratic society  can influence their everyday lifestyle and cultivate the right habits of respect , honesty and responsibility .  In our business lessons we highlight the advantages of living by certain standards and gearing up for their role in society. At KS4 and KS5 students participate in a range of lessons which instil and cultivate moral capital such as globalisation, economic systems and styles of management and motivation theory.  This  involves learning the laws and rules of the varying activities. Based on this knowledge students develop decision making skills to enable them to participate effectively and in one business unit at KS4 they learn about setting up a business and pitching a business idea to a teacher. Students learn to deal with the consequences of making decisions which both comply with or break the rules.  

When participating in curricular and extra curricular activities, students are expected to participate and to develop their business skills and whilst they may aim to make a profit we do encourage students to consider the wider picture.  Social enterprise is considered and students are taught about values and have run community projects where profit has been donated to charities.

Developing Social Capital

In the Business department  we aim to inspire the students, develop self-confidence and an ability to recognise their own potential. Students learn a lot about themselves when exposed to challenging and competitive situations and our high department expectations ensures that every student has the potential to reach their potential and beyond .  We encourage the development of determination and a desire to be better through all of the courses we offer ranging from workskills and the Access course to Advanced Level Business.   Students are given regular opportunities for self and peer assessment which allows them to explore their interests as well as their boundaries, hence recognising their strengths and limitations.  Students are also given the opportunity to develop themselves as leaders where in  part of their coursework in BTEC Business Level 2 they hypothetically set up their own business and do an individual pitch to an assessor.   Students are encouraged to develop their creativity and imagination with this pitch and it develops their confidence and entrepreneurial skills.  We have strong links with local Businesses at KS4 as part of the coursework and we encourage students to visit these to develop relationships .

We are proud that students of all abilities  learn to respect different people’s needs, feelings and values.  This has been supported by the development of the inclusion of SEND in lessons.  Across both key stages students work collaboratively building their teamwork skills and ability to problem solve with others. Business lessons build effective communication as we encourage participation, debate and discussion work in all lessons. 

Developing Cultural Capital

In Business  lessons the students are exposed to different activities from around the world as we teach topics like globalisation, international trade and economic systems . This ensures students learn about other countries and enhances their knowledge of world events such as the impact of covid 19 and world recession .  Students are provided with a vast array of opportunities to participate in activities and respond with a willingness to get involved. There are many opportunities for the students to experience competition both in school and outside school through extra curricular activities such as Young Enterprise where we compete locally, regionally and nationally. This  extra curricular commitment is also encouraged to develop the students’ skill level and confidence .

There is a strong commitment from staff to provide many opportunities for the students to participate in a wide range of business activities such as national competitions. Students are able to cooperate very well with others and resolve conflicts effectively.  

The Business department develops the students’ knowledge of, not only our own countries’ economy but also investigates businesses around the world and different economic systems .  We involve students in trips occasionally and have outside businesses visit the school to broaden their knowledge .

Developing Knowledge Capital

Our high-quality Business department  curriculum inspires all students to succeed with remarkable outstanding outcomes. In KS5 Business BTEC we are ALPS 1 (in the top 5 % of the country) and at KS4 we are the top performing subject in school adding value by at least two GCSE grades. There are always extension activities provided for the most able and all students are encouraged to perform at their best. Students use a range of learning pedagogy and  strategies to overcome and develop techniques and improve their overall knowledge of Business. We offer a range of courses to suit all abilities from work skills level 2 up to Advanced level and our recruitment onto these courses is exceptional. 

Developing Community Capital

Opportunities to compete in business competitions such as Young Enterprise and the Junior Apprentice build character and help to embed values such as fairness and respect. Extracurricular business  clubs which we run most nights  allow students to develop their knowledge and skills.  By doing so students learn to accept and respect cultural differences. Students develop the ability to tell between right and wrong through these competitions  and participating in competitive situations giving pupils a sense of justice and how to respond appropriately when they feel there is an injustice.  We encourage students to be understanding of the ability of others and the need to be supportive rather than critical when competing. 

Business Studies

Students study two core units and two specialist units for 2.5 hours per week to gain a BTEC Level 2 First Award in Business (Equivalent to a GCSE award). The topics you will study within this course are;

• Enterprise in the Business World (25% coursework)

• Finance for Business (25% exam)

• Promoting a Brand (25% coursework)

• Recruitment, Selection and Employment (25% coursework)

This course requires you to enjoy working with ICT, like a good mix of coursework and exams, and to be able to work as part of a team. 

Business

Students learn about types of business, marketing, finance, laws, human resources, operations management, accounting and the global environment. 

Students are encouraged to read business newspapers, textbooks and learn through case studies. The subject develops skills such as problem solving, research, literacy, numeracy, analysis, evaluation and teamwork. Many students participate in the Young Enterprise scheme whereby they run their own business applying the theory learnt in the classroom to the real world.

The A Level is assessed though three, two hour examinations based on the local business environment; the UK business environment and the global business environment. Questions range from multiple choices to extended essay writing.

BTEC Business

Students learn about a variety of Business topics such as Business Organisation, Business Communication, Recruitment, Market Research, Starting a Business and Human Resources. They will learn the theory in relation to real businesses and then produce structured portfolio work. Students will develop a wide variety of skills including communication, problem solving, research, ICT, leadership, numeracy and literacy.

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business consists of four units over two years. Unit 1 ‘Exploring Business’ is assessed internally via coursework. Unit 2 ‘ Developing a Marketing Campaign’ is assessed externally; seeing students undertaking a six hour controlled assessment based upon a pre—released case study. Unit 3 ‘Personal and Business Finance’ is assessed externally via a two hour hand written exam. Finally Unit 8 ‘Recruitment and Selection Process’ is assessed internally via coursework.

Young Enterprise Company Programme

The course is about setting up and running your own professional business taking on roles such as Managing and Finance Directors; making decisions about what products and services to sell and then using social media and other platforms to sell your products and services. You work with your teacher and business adviser to develop innovative products and services which hopefully will make you lots of money which is distributed to shareholders. You learn about business theory and develop skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and leadership. There are competitions to participate in locally, regionally and nationally.

There is no formal assessment or examination. However, you will be asked to complete participation surveys and compete in a competition at the end of the programme. 

Access Course - Business Enterprise

The course comprises three units of BTEC coursework on :

Researching a Concept for a New or Revised Product or Service; Promoting and Financing an Enterprise Idea and Planning and Pitching an Enterprise Idea and one examination on the Business Environment. 

The course is deemed equivalent to 2 GCSE’s graded at A*-C.

You are assessed through your portfolio (coursework) - three units with clear deadlines and BTEC assessment rules and one examination. You do have to pass all 4 units but could gain an overall Distinction (Grade A) with two Distinction grades and two Merits.