Our aim is to broaden the knowledge and understanding of students of the business world and to develop within them an appreciation of the influences and constraints within which businesses work.
By acquiring an understanding of these issues and considering them in a national and international context, students will be able to develop their own values and standards. This will better prepare them for the workplace and help them to make informed choices about their future careers.
As a department we offer Business at GCSE and A-Level along with A-Level Economics. The subjects are very popular options and Business and Economics related courses are also one of the most popular degree courses for students from the school.
All students can expect a variety of activities, including independent learning. As a department we also emphasise applying knowledge to current affairs and real-life businesses.
“Entrepreneurs are not born, they are made!” – Peter Jones
Years 10-11 (GCSE)
Examination Board: AQA
In GCSE Business Studies students learn about how the world of business works and its relevance to almost every aspect of modern society. We cover a range of topics in relation to businesses in the real world; both small and large businesses. The main topics covered include external influences on business, human resources, marketing, finance and operations management.
These topics are covered in lessons in preparation for two external examinations which are taken at the end of Year 11. Throughout the course students also develop a range of skills including presentation, communication, problem solving and leadership.
This GCSE course opens exciting opportunities to study business-related subjects at A-level and beyond. Business can be the gateway into a number of great career choices: as well as being a fascinating subject in its own right, it is a useful subsidiary subject alongside almost any degree course at university.
Sixth Form (A Level)
Click here for the sixth form section.
Other information
The department run a hands-on school enterprise: Westies – our school shop. Students from Year 9 can get involved in this activity by helping out when the shop is open and the Sixth Form run the enterprise and comprise the Board of Directors. You can find out more about Westies here.