The intent of the GCSE Business Studies curriculum is to provide students with a broad and balanced understanding of how businesses operate in the real world. Students will develop knowledge of key business concepts, terminology and issues, enabling them to think critically and make informed judgements as consumers, employees and future entrepreneurs. 

Our curriculum aims to: 

• Inspire students to develop an interest in business and enterprise. 

• Build strong foundations in financial literacy and commercial awareness. 

• Develop analytical, evaluative and decision-making skills through real-world case studies. 

• Prepare students for further study in business, economics and related subjects, as well as future employment. 

The course is delivered through two key themes over Years 10 and 11. 

 

Year 10 – Theme 1: Investigating Small Business 

In Year 10, students focus on how small businesses are set up and operated. This theme introduces students to the fundamentals of business activity and entrepreneurship. 

Students will study: 

1. Enterprise and Entrepreneurship 

• The dynamic nature of business 

• Risk and reward 

• The role of entrepreneurship 

• Business aims and objectives 

2. Spotting a Business Opportunity 

• Customer needs 

• Market research methods 

• Market segmentation 

• The competitive environment 

3. Putting a Business Idea into Practice 

• Business ownership (sole traders, partnerships, limited companies) 

• Business location 

• Business planning 

• Sources of finance 

4. Making the Business Effective 

• The purpose of marketing 

• Product, price, promotion and place (the marketing mix) 

• Customer service 

• Sales and branding 

5. Understanding External Influences on Business 

• Technology 

• Economic factors 

• Ethical and environmental considerations 

• Legislation and the impact of government 

Through Theme 1, students gain a strong understanding of how small businesses start, survive and grow in competitive markets. 

 

Year 11 – Theme 2: Building a Business 

In Year 11, students build upon their knowledge of small businesses by exploring how businesses grow and operate on a larger scale. This theme focuses on strategic decision-making and managing resources effectively. 

Students will study: 

1. Growing the Business 

• Business growth methods (organic and external growth) 

• Economies and diseconomies of scale 

• Business globalisation 

2. Making Marketing Decisions 

• Product life cycle 

• Pricing strategies 

• Promotion strategies 

• Distribution channels 

• Using the marketing mix to meet business objectives 

3. Making Operational Decisions 

• Production processes 

• Quality assurance 

• Inventory (stock) control 

• Supplier choice 

4. Making Financial Decisions 

• Revenue, costs and profit 

• Cash flow 

• Break-even analysis 

• Financial statements and interpretation of data 

5. Making Human Resource Decisions 

• Organisational structures 

• Recruitment and selection 

• Training and motivation 

• Employment law and workforce planning 

Theme 2 enables students to understand how larger businesses operate in complex and competitive environments and prepares them for further study and employment.