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KS4: Enterprise and Marketing

Vision Statement

The Business Studies Department has exceptionally high standards and aims to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge required in an ever-changing economic society. With a focus on unlocking the potential of what could be the most exceptional business minds in the country, we provide a challenging and stimulating curriculum that will develop and support the next Richard Branson or Karen Brady. 

With strong links to Enterprise across the Academy, the Business Department gives all pupils the opportunity to work with others to develop ideas, and challenge themselves both logically and creatively. Universities and employers are not simply interested in academic performance, they are interested in those that have     demonstrated a wide-ranging engagement in community life and activities outside of the classroom. This is something that Business and Enterprise will certainly ensure.

We strongly believe that the fundamental aspects of Business underpin any work place, be it in financial,    education or manual occupations such as Plumbers or Electricians. We give every pupil a strong footing and ensure that they have the vital skills to be successful in the future. 

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

As with most vocational courses, the OCR Enterprise and Marketing requires pupils to complete a combination of internal controlled assessment and externally assessed examinations.

This qualification provides an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of business. It encourages pupils to explore the range of business types and understand the factors that influence success through analysing business models. It enables pupils to develop, enhance and apply their research, practical, communication and technical skills through creating and presenting a business plan for a realistic business start-up in their local area. Pupils will study finance and analyse key financial statements (e.g. profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets), reviewing their importance in the successful financial management of a     business.

R064 – Enterprise and marketing concepts (Examination 50%)

R065 – Design a business proposal (Controlled assessment 25%)

R066 – Market and pitch a business proposal (Controlled assessment 25%)

Linked Sixth Form Courses:

  • Business Studies
  • Digital iMedia
  • Mathematics
  • Economics

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Accounting
  • Financial Advising
  • Teaching
  • Banking
  • Stockbroking

Departmental Performance:

  • 2023/24: 9-4 = 43.8%
  • 2022/23: 9-4 = 62%
  • 2021/22: 9-4 = 65%

KS4: GCSE Business Studies

Vision Statement

The Business Studies Department has high expectations and is committed to equipping pupils with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing global economy. 

Our curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire, encouraging pupils to think critically, solve problems creatively, and develop entrepreneurial skills.

With strong links to enterprise and careers education across the Academy, Business provides all pupils with opportunities to work collaboratively, develop ideas, and apply their learning to real-life situations. We believe that the knowledge and skills gained through GCSE Business underpin success in all career paths, from financial services and teaching, to trades such as plumbing and engineering. The subject builds resilience, independence, and confidence — qualities valued by employers, universities, and apprenticeships alike.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

The Edexcel GCSE in Business is assessed entirely through two externally examined papers. Pupils study a wide range of business concepts and apply them to case studies, developing their ability to analyse problems, make decisions, and evaluate outcomes.

Theme 1: Investigating Small Business

Enterprise and entrepreneurship, spotting opportunities, putting a business idea into practice, making business decisions, and external influences.

Growing the business, making marketing, operations, financial, and human resource decisions, and considering the impact of the wider world on business.

  • Paper 1 (50%): Investigating Small Business (Theme 1)

  • Paper 2 (50%): Building a Business (Theme 2)

Each paper is 1 hour 45 minutes and includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended questions based on real business contexts.

Linked Sixth Form Courses:

  • A-Level Business

  • A-Level Economics

  • BTEC Business

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

Business provides a strong foundation for further study and a wide range of careers. Students often progress into areas such as:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Marketing and Market Research
  • Business Management
  • Law and Human Resources
  • Entrepreneurship and Self-Employment

KS5: BTEC Business Studies

Vision Statement

A BTEC National Extended Certificate is a level 3 qualification that will provide a vocational approach to studying Business. Through analysing real businesses and applying knowledge to ‘real life’ scenarios, all students will have the opportunity to learn a huge variety of skills that will form a strong basis for them to either use for their progression into university or into the world of business.

This is an exciting opportunity to achieve highly in a predominantly continual assessment course.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

This course is a BTEC National level 3 Extended Certificate in Business. With the completion of this certificate and the 4 units involved, the students will have the equivalent of 1 A Level.

The certificate is delivered across 360 Guided Learning Hours and broken down into 3 Mandatory Units and 1 chosen unit which comprise the following:

Unit 1: Exploring business

90 guided learning hours, internally assessed, coursework based

Features of different businesses, how they are organized and the environments in which they exist/operate within, examine business markets, contribution of innovation and enterprise to business success.

90 guided learning hours, externally assessed, exam taken in two parts:

  • Part A – 2 hour exam
  • Part B – 3 hour exam

Marketing principles and processes, interpreting marketing information and data and it’s impact on marketing campaigns, plan develop and adapt marketing campaigns and justifying with evidence.

120 guided learning hours, externally assessed, 2 hour exam

Business and personal finance principles and functions, financial issues and accounting, impact and outcome as a result of business and personal financial information and data, how financial data can be used and justified.

60 guided learning hours, internally assessed, coursework based

How effective recruitment and selection can contribute to success, demonstration of the process to a successful interview and being chosen, evaluating performance and reflection on recruitment processes.

Skills for Success:

  • Strong literacy and research and analysis skills in order to engage in extended response questions and have the ability to apply knowledge to different scenarios.
  • Numeracy skills to complete financial calculations including cash flow and management of liquidity.

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Financial advisor
  • HR manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Accountant
  • Marketing
  • Customer services
  • Estate agent

Departmental Performance:

  • 2023/24: D*-P = 15.8%
  • 2022/23: D*-P = 100%
  • 2021/22: D*-P = 100%
  • 2020/21: D*-P = 100%
  • 2019/20: D*-P = 100%