Business Studies

Aims of the department

To enable students to understand what business is, at a local, national, international and global level.
To enable students to become effective decision makers, having the confidence to come to their own conclusions based upon reasoned analysis.
To provoke challenging questions regarding the function of business in its wider context rather than simply following the path of financial benefits; importantly to realise how business generates both positive and a negative externalities.
To give students real knowledge of the business environment, particularly affecting the UK, for example the costs and benefits associated with EU membership.

How do you bring this subject to life at BGS?

Business Studies contributes to the overall curriculum, by developing skills of writing, discussion, and numeracy, through the medium of business
Careful use of interactive whiteboard with each lesson having clear aim and objectives
Selective use of visual resources via BBC I Player, e.g.
- Dragons Den
- Business Ethics
- The Apprentice
Encourage confidence amongst learners to become fully participative in all aspects of the lesson.
The department promotes access for all, and excellence for many, in GCSE and ‘A’ level courses, by using a variety of teaching and learning styles, including use of media clips, whiteboards, role play, presentation, group work and much more, for example attending business conferences at AS and A2, with plans to invite guest speakers in the near future.

What facilities do you have?

A designated teaching room Links are made with local businesses as and when possible
ICT facilities
Library facilities
Interactive whiteboard with full internet access

Do staff have specialist areas of interest?

In addition to our expertise in Business Studies we have other key areas of expertise:

Mrs Good BA (hons) Business Management

SPACE teacher
ICT teacher
RE Teacher
experience in SEN

Mr Coull BSc (hons)Economics

Also experience of teaching
History
Geography
English
SPACE

What is the coolest thing about the department?

The students!

What do pupils enjoy most about learning in this department?

“I have appreciated the personalised learning programme, which has enabled me to complete Business Studies in 4 terms and gain a grade A at A-level. I have enjoyed the lessons because as well as plenty of learning we have plenty of fun.”
(Lewis Keating, Head Boy 09)

“Whilst expanding your knowledge of the economic climate and much more, the teacher’s terrible jokes make the classroom a great learning environment.”
(Harrison Dent and Matthew Keating, year 10)

“Business can be hard to understand but having the right teacher helps a lot.”
(Christopher Metcalfe, year 10)

“Business teaches you to be fluent in finance and understand what is happening in the economy; in a recession the tills are empty”
(Chevan Illangarante, year 10)

What teaching styles do you use in the department?

Our basic philosophy is to generate an atmosphere, which encourages students to question and participate
At no time should students feel threatened or uneasy if they don’t understand something.
We have close links with Learning Support, which allows us to meet fully the needs of all students.
We use a variety of teaching styles to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their true potential.

Curriculum

Year 10/11:

AQA GCSE Business Studies Specification

This is good for past papers, and even examiners’ mark schemes!

You will take 2 papers - 1 hr per paper

Starting a business
Growing a business
Controlled Assessment

An exam is taken at the end of

Year 10, (May/June), which constitutes to 40% of the final exam total
Year 11, (May/June), which constitutes to 35% of the final exam total

A controlled assessment at the beginning of Year 11, which constitutes 25% of the final exam.

AS/A2

Year 12:

AQA GCE Business Studies Specification

2 written papers (Collectively 50% of A2)

BUS1 – Starting a business (Jan)
BUS2 – Growing a business (June)

Year 13: