Overview

No matter which future career path students choose, they will be either working within a business or starting their own, therefore a thorough understanding of how businesses operate is imperative to helping them progress in their chosen field.

The BTEC in Enterprise has been designed to allow students to learn about topics like enterprise, marketing and finance in a more practical way compared to the GCSE. They are examined through in-class assignments for two thirds of the course (ideal for students who are independent and self-motivated) with the final third an externally assessed exam.

The qualification enables learners to develop their transferable skills, such as researching, planning, making decisions and judgements, and financial literacy using realistic vocational contexts. They also will hone personal skills, such as creativity and innovation, time management, reviewing, communication and planning through a practical and skills-based approach to learning and assessment.

Similar to the GCSE, the qualification also supports progression to a more specialised level 3 academic or vocational Business course or an apprenticeship. Business related courses are currently the most popular university degrees in both the UK and the U.S so this will give students the first steps on this educational path.

This course will also allow pupils to see how real businesses operate through case studies about the world’s most famous brands. They will also have the opportunity to visit businesses to learn more about them as well as hear from local entrepreneurs who will be invited in.

Topics covered

Assessments

Components 1 and 2 are assessed through written assignments marked by your teachers and then externally moderated. These are both worth 30% of your overall grade. Component 1 is a series of five written essays where pupils research and analyse a local enterprise. This includes investigating how they conduct their market research and making recommendations for improvements, as well as carrying out a SWOT & PEST on their chosen company. Component 2 allows the students to show off their entrepreneurial flare by creating a business plan for a micro-enterprise they could set up themselves and pitching this, Dragon’s Den style! 

Component 3 is an exam completed at the end of the course. This is worth 40% of your overall grade.

FAQs

• Will I be able to do the Micro-Tyco challenge like the GCSE students?

Yes, BTEC students will also take part in the Micro-Tyco enterprise challenge (read more in the GCSE page).

• Why should I do the BTEC rather than the GCSE?

Different courses suit different learners. This qualification is primarily (60%) internal assignments (think of them like coursework) so if you are someone who prefers to be given a brief and work to a deadline this might suit you better than being assessed solely through examinations (like the GCSE). Students who are independent and self-motivated are those that excel in BTEC courses. This also gives you a chance to track your grade throughout the course as you'll receive feedback about each unit as we complete it and have a chance to make improvements. I also feel that taking a BTEC alongside your other GCSE choices means there is less pressure at the end of Year 11 as this qualification will be complete by then with your Marketing and Finance exam (40%) taking place at the start of Year 11 (with a chance to retake, if necessary, at end of Year 11).