Business

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE BUSINESS?

Business is a varied and engaging subject that helps you understand how organisations operate and what makes them successful. You will explore real businesses and apply your knowledge to practical situations, developing research, numerical and communication skills valued by universities and employers. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and complements a range of other subjects. It can support progression to higher education, apprenticeships and careers in areas such as marketing, finance, management and human resources.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?

You will study four units:

Unit 1: Exploring Business – investigate contrasting businesses, their aims, organisational structures, stakeholders and the factors influencing their success.
Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign – use market research to plan and justify a campaign, including its marketing mix, budget and timescale.
Unit 3: Personal and Business Finance – explore personal money management, financial services, sources of business finance and financial planning.
Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection Process – examine how businesses recruit employees and develop practical skills through recruitment documents and interview activities.

You will follow current business news and use real examples to connect classroom learning with the business world.

HOW WILL I LEARN?

You will learn through case studies, discussions, independent research, financial calculations, group activities and presentations. You will investigate real organisations, develop marketing proposals and participate in recruitment and selection activities. Independent study and meeting deadlines are essential parts of the course.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?

You will develop your ability to research independently, interpret financial data, analyse business decisions and evaluate evidence. You will learn to write structured reports, present ideas confidently and make justified recommendations.

The course also develops teamwork, problem-solving, organisation and time management, alongside practical skills in preparing job applications and taking part in interviews.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course combines internal and external assessment:

Unit 1: Exploring Business – internally assessed coursework.
Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Campaign – an externally assessed task completed under supervised conditions.
Unit 3: Personal and Business Finance – an externally assessed written examination.
Unit 8: Recruitment and Selection Process – internally assessed coursework, including practical recruitment and interview activities.

Internal assignments are marked by your teachers and checked through Pearson’s quality assurance processes. External assessments are set and marked by Pearson.

Your overall qualification grade will be Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction*, depending on your achievement across the units and your fulfilment of the qualification requirements.

WHAT CAN A QUALIFICATION IN BUSINESS STUDIES LEAD TO?

Business involves the application of many essential skills which can be applied to many disciplines and open many doors.
Degrees in Business and related subjects can lead to careers in Advertising, Management, Government, Accountancy and Banking.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics AND grade 4 in GCSE English.

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