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Business Studies (GCSE & A-Level)

Introduction to Department: 

‘Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won’t, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can’t’ – (Anon) 

The intent of the Business course offered is to provide a diverse, high-quality curriculum for those that choose to study the subject with transferable skills that allow a smooth transition from the education environment to the real working environment and support students to develop their own economic wellbeing. The courses taught give an understanding of all functional areas within business, which allows students to make informed decisions about future career prospects.

Results & Achievements:  

More than 30% of learners go on to study a degree to in either Business and / or Finance and the staff provide bespoke advice on which Universities and courses would be most appropriate. For those students who choose a degree-apprenticeship pathway the school has a comparatively small but growing cadre of Economics and Business Alumni who are currently employed at the following businesses: JP Morgan, PWC, Deloitte, HSBC, EY, Amazon and KPMG. Many of these former pupils offer their insight and advice to help with applications. 

Students at KS4 take a local field-trip when studying marketing; are encouraged to become part of the Economics and Business Society; and take part in a Stock Market simulation game in Year 10. Local Entrepreneurs visit the school to share their journeys too. 

Extra- and super-curricular:   

Students at KS5 run the Economics and Business Society. The Department also arranges ad hoc meetings with outside speakers based on specific curriculum requirements, such as The Bank of England. 

Recommended reading list:

Pupils are encouraged to build upon their curiosity and enthusiasm of this subject through the reading of current affairs that effect businesses today. This fundamental practice is key to success as it enables students to apply their knowledge to real business situations and further understand the course they are studying.  Due to the very dynamic nature of the business-world and the splintering of media organisations, the department has created a Virtual Learning Environment based on the Teams application, which pupils are encouraged to engage with for reading-around-the-subject (RATS) and other curriculum materials. 

Key Stage 4 Reading List: 

  • How I Made It: 40 Successful Entrepreneurs – Rachel Bridge: Interviews with entrepreneurs on spotting gaps and developing USPs. 
  • Business Stripped Bare – Sir Richard Branson: Experiences of a global entrepreneur. 
  • Strong Woman – Karren Brady: Insights into leadership and overcoming challenges. 
  • Jonny Ive – Leander Kahney: Examines the journey taken by the former head of design at Apple. 
  • The Google Story – David A. Vise: Examines corporate culture and innovation. 
  • The Upstarts – Brade Stone: Examines the rise of Uber and AirBnB. 
  • Shoe Dog – Phil Knight: the story of Nike. 

Key Stage 5 Reading List: 

  • 50 Things that made the Modern Economy - Tim Harford: 50 radical inventions that changed the world. 
  • The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell: Explores why products become market leaders. 
  • No Logo – Naomi Klein: Investigates the negative side of branding and globalisation. 
  • The Toyota Way – Jeffrey Liker: Covers Japanese management techniques like Kaizen. 
  • Strong Woman – Karren Brady: Insights into leadership and overcoming challenges. 
  • Steve Jobs – Walter Isaacson: How the founder of Apple developed his company and brand.​ 
  • How I Made It: 40 Successful Entrepreneurs – Rachel Bridge: Interviews with entrepreneurs on spotting gaps and developing USPs. 
  • Business Stripped Bare – Sir Richard Branson: Experiences of a global entrepreneur. 

Learning by Key Stage

KS4 

At Key-Stage 4, small and medium sized businesses are studied, across all sectors and are investigated to allow students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios. The subject gives students a broad understanding of what they need to know to be a valuable member of society when they enter the world of work, either in the public or private sector. The course also educates students about areas they need to consider if they were to run a small business start-up e.g. external factors on business such as legislation and what business form is most suitable for beginning the entrepreneurial journey. 

During the two- year GCSE programme links are made with our A-level students providing to develop a range of skills such as creativity, confidence, independent learning, team working and communication skills.  

The Edexcel course has two distinct ‘Themes’  and pupils are taught by one teacher at Key-Stage 4. 

More detailed information about the course can be found here: GCSE Specification 

 

KS5 

At Key-Stage 5 a broader range of topics are studied, but which aim to build upon the foundations of Key-Stage 4 and include: strategic management; decision making techniques; financial management; as well as business types and functions, the significance of the external environment on business, all taught within a global context. Students receive a thorough grounding in the theoretical underpinnings of business, complemented by the practical skill sets imperative for succeeding in a professional setting. They are also afforded the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills through diverse projects and assignments. The competencies honed during this course are highly adaptable and pertinent to a wide array of career pathways within the business domain. In parallel, students are provided with opportunities to transferable skills, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. 

To further develop a broader understanding of the real-world, the department has made links with local employers and former pupils that generously give their time to further equip students for future opportunities and responsibilities. The course is taught by skilled practitioners who aim to create a safe but challenging environment that encourages our students to be enthusiastic, confident and committed developing their own metacognitive processes and in so doing, better prepare them for their life beyond school.  

The Edexcel course has four distinct ‘Themes’ and pupils are taught by two teachers at Key-Stage 5. 

More detailed information about the course can be found here: A-level Specification 

Staff 

Head of Department:  Mr. Andy Kerr  ajk@bishopwordsworths.org.uk 

Teachers: 

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