Business Studies

GCSE Business Studies is an introduction to the dynamic worlds of Marketing, Finance, Human Resources and Business Manufacturing. It consists of the following units:

Unit 1: Starting a Business

In this unit, pupils are introduced to the fundamentals of starting a business. We examine why businesses start up and the resources required to maintain and grow them. Pupils explore business aims and the impact that various stakeholder groups may have on businesses. We also consider marketing options for a business organisation and study the aims and objectives that will help a firm grow and survive into the future. We also consider why businesses conform to quality assurance standards and health and safety legislation.

Unit 2: Developing a Business

In this unit, pupils examine recruitment and selection practices and analyse the importance of a business having motivated and well trained employees. We identify the signs of business success and failure and evaluate the different ways in which businesses grow. Pupils will learn about business finance; we will examine the sources of finance and complete basic cash flow forecasts and break-even analyses, as well as interpreting simple financial statements.

Unit 3 Planning a Business (Controlled Assessment)

In this unit, which may examine any area of content from the specification, pupils apply knowledge and understanding to a real business context. This will be assessed using controlled assessment rather than an examination.

There are two examinations in GCSE Business Studies, one for Unit 1 and one for Unit 2. The form and weighting of assessment are shown below: