Business (BTEC)
Offering the BTEC Business course at Key Stage 4 at St Edward’s College provides students with a practical and engaging introduction to the world of business. The course allows pupils to develop essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and financial awareness, all highly valued by employers and further education providers. Students benefit from the supportive and experienced staff in the department, who are dedicated to helping each pupil achieve their potential and progress confidently through the course. Additionally, pupils have the opportunity to attend the Business Club, where they can receive extra guidance, consolidate learning, and develop their entrepreneurial ideas in a collaborative environment. Through a combination of project-based learning, real-world case studies, and practical assignments, students gain hands-on experience that complements their academic studies. Completing the BTEC Business qualification provides a strong foundation for further study, apprenticeships, or employment, while also equipping students with transferable skills that benefit them in everyday life.
What does the course involve?
BTEC Technical Awards are designed specifically for schools, and are Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications designed to complement GCSEs and provide a first glimpse into a professional sector. These qualifications assess learners through assignments and tasks rather than traditional exams.
What skills will I develop?
The BTEC Technical Award in Enterprise has been designed to help pupils develop their entrepreneurial skills through practical, skills–based learning.
- Assessment is through task–based assignments so learners can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in work–related scenarios.
- Learners will explore, develop and apply their knowledge helping to develop key transferable skills such as research and data analysis to support their progression to further learning and the workplace.
- This highly motivating, creative approach to teaching business and enterprise will encourage pupils to explore the world of business and what makes or breaks an enterprise.
How will I learn?
The course is made up of three components:
Component 1: Exploring enterprises
Through a set brief and within specific timescales, pupils will:
- Examine the characteristics of enterprises
- Explore how market research helps enterprises meet customer needs and understand competitor behaviour
- Investigate the factors that contribute to the success of an enterprise
- Develop transferable skills, such as research, and data analysis in order to interpret their findings.
Component 2: Planning for and Pitching an Enterprise Activity
Through a set brief and within specific timescales, pupils will:
- Explore ideas and plan for a micro–enterprise activity
- Pitch a micro–enterprise activity
- Review their own pitch for a micro–enterprise activity
- Develop planning and research, presentation, communication and self–reflection skills.
Component 3: Promotion and Finance for Enterprise
This is an externally assessed unit that allows pupils to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of elements of promotion and financial
- Interpret and use promotional and financial information in relation to a given enterprise
- Make connections between different factors influencing a given enterprise
- Advise and provide recommendations to a given enterprise on ways to improve its performance.
How will I be assessed?
Components 1 and 2 are assessed via an internally moderated and externally verified portfolio of evidence. Component 3 is assessed via a task based, rather than traditional format, external examination.
What could a qualification lead to?
This course will provide an excellent foundation for the progression to Level 3 Business and similar vocational courses, with further opportunities to degree level courses in the various areas of the business world. In addition, the course provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that a growing number of both employers and apprenticeship providers are demanding.
