Business (KS4)

“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come.
Get up and make them.”

Madam C.J. Walker
(First Female Self-made Millionaire)

Staff members 

Mr B Young - Head of Business 

Mr M Crowley

Mrs D Grant 

Mr M Scott

Mr J Charatan

Subject Definition

Business is an investigation of the world, where entrepreneurs seek opportunities to maximise profits in evolving global markets. Its study combines elements of finance, marketing, organisational studies and human resource management.

When studying Business, the core purpose is to understand why a business might develop. Students are encouraged to understand the processes of start-up business and also a large multinational organisation. Students will explore a number of different business models and gain an understanding of how the choice of business type might affect the aim and objectives that are set.

Subject Purpose

The Business course focuses on a problem-solving approach to business designed to help students understand the nature and workings of business organisations. Much of the learning is based around business case studies and focusing on how students can use their business knowledge to determine the success of a business.

The aim is to encourage students to develop a critical understanding of different businesses, the context in which they operate, the markets they serve, and ultimately recommend actions that businesses should take to be successful.

Any successful entrepreneur requires business agility, with the ability to learn and adapt to new methods, processes or technology that can make their business stronger and more efficient. Having a great idea is a start, but won’t get you anywhere without the knowledge and skills to support the business journey.

You will learn to:

-use business terminology to identify and explain business activity.
-apply business concepts to familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
-develop problem-solving and decision-making skills relevant to business.
-investigate, analyse and evaluate business opportunities and issues.
-make justified decisions using both qualitative and quantitative data including its selection, interpretation, analysis and evaluation, and the application of appropriate quantitative skills.

A Business student will develop a keen interest in learning about:

-The business environment
-Marketing
-Entrepreneurship and Leadership
-Types of Markets and their Nature
-Types of Organisations and their Purposes
-Managing people, Recruitment, Selection & Training
-Organisational Structures
-Business Finance and Financial Planning
-Operations/Resource Management
-Internal and External Influences on Organisations
-Business Growth
-Assessing Competitiveness
-Globalisation, Global markets, Marketing & Global Expansion

Qualification information

Course title - GCSE Business
Exam board – AQA
Course Code – 8132

Link to specification