Business Studies

Business Curriculum Intent

The Business curriculum enables students to develop an interest in and enthusiasm for the academic study of Business and exploit all opportunities to enrich their learning through application to the real world.  The GCSE and A level qualifications are suitable for any student who has an interest in any one of the key business areas, as there is a broad scope to the topics the students will study. This enables students to develop their synoptic thinking across the syllabus.

The GCSE curriculum is broken down into the following units;

1. Business Activity (Year 9)
2. Marketing (Year 9 and 10)
3. Finance part 1 (Year 10)
4. People (Year 10)
5. Influences on Business (Year 10)
6. Finance part 2 (Year 11)
7. Operations (Year 11)
8. The interdependent Nature of Business (Year 11)

The units are delivered in a manner that allows for a logical progression from the starting of a small business to understanding the relationship between multi-national business and external influences; By teaching the units in this order the students are given an opportunity to understand what it takes to start and run a small business before understanding the more interdependent nature of big business.

Whilst Business GCSE compliments many studies at KS5, students are encouraged to continue with Business at A level and this is a popular choice.  The A level curriculum itself however is also designed to be accessible to students who did not chose to study business at GCSE.  The themes studied at A level are;

1. Marketing and People
2. Managing Business Activities
3. Business Decisions and Strategy
4. Global Business

Whilst business is broadly delivered through the modules above students are encouraged to develop their synoptic thinking by using chains of reasoning developed from across the modules.  This is a skill that enables them to access the higher grades in their A level examinations. 

The Aims of the Department

The Business department aims to bring to life the impact of the business world and the wider economy in the classroom. We are living in very uncertain and interesting times.  We aim to help our students understand the role of business in these times and the future.  Our experienced teachers use of the centralised curriculum model allowing them to interpret up to date and real life events, delivering a business course that is engaging, relevant and challenging for all students. 

We have a good track record of exam success for all our students, no matter their ability.  This is reflected in the uptake of both the GCSE and A level courses.  Whilst many of our students use business as a facilitating course to study a variety of subjects at degree level, many continue with their business studies upon leaving Blenheim.  Student voice consistently rates lessons as challenging as well as being engaging and enjoyable.

School Trips

A number of school visits are arranged, depending on availability, throughout the year.  Details of trips which have taken place this year or are planned in the future can be viewed in the School Visits, Enrichment area of the website.

Facilities

• Business teachers are encouraged to access up to date and relevant resources online, providing students with the very latest business news and opinions.  The department subscribes to specific business teaching websites as well as publications such as the business review. All resources are continually reviewed and developed to ensure our students have access to engaging and up to date materials.
• The Business suite, which is located in the purpose built Sixth Form block, comprises of spacious classrooms with interactive whiteboards and boasts over 50 desktop computers available for use during lessons as well as after school if required.
• The department always aims to bring in guest speakers from the business world to inspire the students.

Useful Links

The GCSE specification can be found at:  WWW.OCR.org.uk

The A level specification can be found at: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/home.html

GCSE students are encouraged to use BBC Bitesize:     https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/levels/z98jmp3

GCSE Pod: https://www.gcsepod.com/