BUSINESS

Examination Board: Edexcel

Specification: 1BS0

Description of Course

There are two themes of study:

How Will You Learn

Teaching and learning will make use of textbooks and online resources as well as contact with local businesses.  The course uses a range of up to date and relevant case studies throughout.

You will develop a range of skills including presentations, market research, groupwork, analysing real business situations and evaluating decisions, as well as quantitative skills required for business such as calculating cash flows, break even analysis, profit and revenue.

Method of Assessment

You will sit two written exams at the end of Year 11 – one for each theme - although you will be expected to use your knowledge from the whole of the course in both papers.

Each paper has 90 marks and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.  There are a mixture of multiple choice, short response and long response questions.  The questions will be based on case studies given to you in the exam.  Each paper is worth 50% of the GCSE.

Pathways after Year 11

Further Study

Career Routes

The skills, knowledge and understanding gained would also be preparation for a range of vocational courses and careers including business, marketing, finance and retail.  This subject is useful for those wishing to run their own business.

Pupil comments

“I found the course really interesting as I now understand key terms used in the business world.  I also learnt how small businesses are set up and run.”

“The course opened my eyes to the world of business.  It was a good platform for the A Level course and equipped me with skills required for employment.”

OCR NATIONAL IN BUSINESS & MARKETING

Examination Board:  OCR                           Specification: J819

Description of Course

The OCR National Course is a more research and practical based course than the GCSE. At the end of the course, you will be awarded either a pass, merit or distinction at Level 1 or Level 2. This is equivalent to a GCSE.

How Will You Learn

Much of the work in year 10 will take place in a ‘traditional’ classroom environment, ensuring you understand the business concepts. This will involve individual and group work and making use of relevant and up to date case studies. Therefore, it will be very similar the GCSE and you may feel you are not actually doing anything much different.

In year 11, the work will be much more research based. You will complete small, ongoing tasks that contribute to a bigger portfolio of work. Tasks will include PowerPoint presentations, written reports and, of course, the final pitch of the business proposal.

Method of Assessment

At the end of year 10, you will be assessed on Unit 1 by completing an external written examination. This is worth 80 marks and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. This is 50% of your qualification. There will be an opportunity to re-sit this in the January of year 11 if required. From here, the assessment is continuous throughout year 11. The individual tasks you complete will be marked and contribute to the two portfolios you need to complete. The final pitch is worth 10% of the qualification.

Pathways after Year 11

You will be able to follow many of the same pathways as the GCSE, including progression onto the A-Level Business course at Liskeard Sixth Form.