Business Studies
Overview
Students will learn about how the world of business works and its relevance to almost every aspect of modern society. Amongst other topics, they will learn about planning their own business, marketing, finance, and economics.
The GCSE in Business looks to inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in one of the many business disciplines, such as marketing, finance, sales, recruitment or retail. Whichever career students choose in the future, it will only be strengthened by having a good understanding of business principles and applying these to the company they are working for.
The qualification also supports progression to more specialised level 3 academic or vocational business courses or an apprenticeship. Business related courses are currently the most popular university degrees in both the UK and the US so this will give students the first steps on this 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. In the past we have been to the Coca Cola factory in Sidcup, Kent, the Sky Studios in Hounslow, London and Chelsea F.C. stadium, Stamford Bridge, in London.
Topics covered
Students will cover a variety of different topics within the subject of business including:
Marketing
Enterprise
Business planning
Production
Finance
Economics
Business activity and organisation
Employment
Motivation
Law
Competition
Ethical and environmental considerations
Assessments
The OCR GCSE Business assessment is as follows:
Two exams: ‘Business activity, marketing and people’ and ‘Operations, finance and influences on business'.
No controlled assessment.
Both exams are 90 minutes and worth 50%.
Some questions will be multiple choice, some will be extended writing to test your ability to explain why you made a particular decision.
Both exams are marked out of 80. At least 10% of these marks are awarded for quantitative skills, with the rest being based on a pupil’s ability to demonstrate knowledge, apply theory to business contexts and analyse / evaluate business decisions.
FAQs
I struggle with Maths, will I find the calculations in Business too tricky?
The mathematical elements of the course shouldn't put you off. We are mainly focussing on revenues and profits in Business and so the calculations are normally simply multiplications or working out percentages. We will cover these in class fully so don't let this put you off!