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Year 10
Year 10
Year 10: Embracing Change with Edexcel
Year 10: Embracing Change with Edexcel
This year, we transitioned our GCSE Business course to Edexcel, and I’m pleased to report that the Year 10 cohort has adapted brilliantly. Modules 1 and 2 have focused on:
Enterprise and Entrepreneurship: exploring why and how new business ideas emerge and the balance between risks and rewards in starting a business.
Spotting Business Opportunities: identifying customer needs, conducting market research, and understanding market segmentation and competition.
To bring these topics to life, students participated in a classroom competition where they pitched innovative “mix-and-match” products designed to solve everyday problems. The creativity on display was outstanding! Congratulations to Ethan and Olamiji for their brilliant idea, Smart Plate; that tracks the users' nutritional intake based on the food on the plate. The device can also be added to any type of plate or bowl.
Some of our Year 10 students are now preparing to represent the school in the Made in Bluewater competition. This exciting event challenges students to pitch community-focused business ideas in a “Dragons’ Den” style setting. We’re cheering them on as they prepare to present their ideas at Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Year 11
Year 11
Year 11: Building a Strong Foundation for Success
Year 11: Building a Strong Foundation for Success
Year 11 students have been diving deep into core business concepts, and their progress has been impressive.
Marketing and Finance: Students have explored segmentation, pricing strategies, and promotional methods, as well as understanding the intricacies of cash flow and sources of finance.
Mock Exams: This term, students sat both Paper 1 and Paper 2. These assessments will provide valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement as we refine their preparation for the summer exams.
Year 11 is always a pivotal year, and I’ve been impressed by how this cohort is rising to the challenge.
Year 12
Year 12
Year 12: Thinking Big, Learning Fast
Year 12: Thinking Big, Learning Fast
IB Business Management Students
Year 12 IB students are laying the groundwork for their studies with topics such as organizational objectives, growth strategies, and marketing planning. They’ve also begun their Internal Assessments, applying theory to real-world business contexts. This critical piece of work will be a significant milestone in their IB journey.
BTEC Business Students
The Year 12 BTEC students are preparing for their Unit 2 Marketing Campaign exam in January. They’ve been busy researching, planning, and developing strategies to create compelling and practical campaigns. The level of detail and critical thinking they’ve demonstrated is inspiring.
Year 13
Year 13
Year 13: Polishing Skills for the Future
Year 13: Polishing Skills for the Future
IB Business Management Students
Year 13 students have been hard at work finalizing their Internal Assessments while preparing for their mock exams. Recent topics include lean production, financial analysis, and crisis management, equipping students with insights into modern business challenges.
BTEC Business Students
BTEC students are tackling their Personal and Business Finance exam preparation. From understanding the role of money to exploring accounting and finance strategies, they’re building knowledge that will serve them well in exams and beyond.
Celebrating Excellence
Celebrating Excellence
It’s always a joy to recognise the exceptional work happening in our department. This term, I’d like to congratulate the following students for their dedication and achievements:
Year 13: Olivia, Harry
Year 12: Alvita, Shane
Year 11: Daniela, Dovydas
Year 10: Kirsty, Tyler
These students have truly gone above and beyond, consistently demonstrating the values of our school. Well done!
Degree Programme Scholarships
Degree Programme Scholarships
We were delighted that some of our students achieved outstanding results in The London Institute of Banking & Finance Level 3 qualifications and were awarded a scholarship towards one of our degree programmes.
Congratulations to the students who achieved a Diploma in Financial Studies:
Vanessa (A*), Deborah (A), Jacob (A), Ronny (A), Ajay (A), Kyle (A)
Congratulations to the students who achieved a Certificate in Financial Studies:
Harrison (A*), Olivia (A), Michael (A), Ledian (A), Romero (A), Chantal (A), Jimmy (A), Alameen (A)
Opportunities to Explore
Opportunities to Explore
For those wanting to deepen their understanding of business, here are some excellent resources:
Freakonomics Podcast
How I Built This with Guy Raz
The Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett
These podcasts and platforms offer real-world insights into the world of business, perfect for sparking curiosity and new ideas.
Looking Ahead: T-Levels in Business Management and Administration
Looking Ahead: T-Levels in Business Management and Administration
I’m excited to share that from September 2025, we’ll be offering the T-Level in Business Management and Administration. This rigorous Level 3 qualification, equivalent to three A-Levels, combines academic study with practical industry experience.
Key highlights include:
UCAS-accredited qualification.
A minimum of 315 hours in a work placement, giving students invaluable real-world experience.
Preparation for a range of career paths or further education opportunities.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students looking to bridge the gap between education and the working world.
It’s been a pleasure to witness the growth and enthusiasm of our students this term. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Business Studies department. Together, we’re equipping our young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Author:
Mr Walker - Director of Learning for Business and T-Levels
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