Hurstmere School

The purpose of the Business Studies curriculum at KS4 is for our pupils to:

• Understand the role of business activity in the real world and its contribution to the wealth and welfare of society.
• Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen.
• Understand the interdependent nature of business activity, influences on business, business operations, finance, marketing, and human resources.
• Apply knowledge and understanding to business decision-making, using data to support evidence-based conclusions.
• Build analytical, problem-solving, and evaluative skills critical for success in further study and the workplace.
• Gain insight into the ethical, environmental, and global considerations impacting business behaviour and decision-making.
• Be prepared with the foundational knowledge and skills needed for further study in business or related subjects at post-16 level.
• Develop confidence in applying business concepts to real-world scenarios and case studies.

• Mr A. Mahmoudi – Curriculum Lead for Business Studies
• Ms. R. Groucher – Teacher of Business Studies
• Mr. K. Singh – Trainee Teacher of Computing and Business Studies

More information about the topics listed can be found in the Student Resources area of SharePoint.

Examination Board: AQA
Syllabus Number: AQA GCSE Business – 8132

Course Content

All pupils will have 5 hours of lessons over a 2-week period throughout Years 10 and 11 to complete the course.

This qualification enables students to engage actively in the study of business and the dynamic environment in which it operates. Pupils will gain a holistic understanding of business in a range of contexts, including small and large businesses operating in local, national, and global markets.

The course is structured around two key themes:

Theme 1: Business in the Real World, Influences on Business, and Business Operations

• The purpose and nature of businesses
• Business ownership, aims, and objectives
• Stakeholders and business influences
• Business operations including methods of production and quality assurance

Theme 2: Human Resources, Marketing, and Finance

• Recruitment and selection, training, and motivation
• Marketing activities including market research, marketing mix (4Ps)
• Understanding financial terms, sources of finance, cash flow forecasting, and financial statements

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through two written examinations at the end of Year 11:

Paper 1: Influences of Operations and HRM on Business Activity

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 90 marks
• 50% of GCSE

Paper 2: Influences of Marketing and Finance on Business Activity

• 1 hour 45 minutes
• 90 marks
• 50% of GCSE

Each paper consists of multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, and case study/data response questions.

• "Business" (Second Edition) by Malcolm Surridge and Andrew Gillespie (AQA GCSE Business textbook)
• "Anyone Can Do It: Building Coffee Republic from Our Kitchen Table" by Sahar and Bobby Hashemi
• "Dragons' Den: Success, From Pitch to Profit" by Deborah Meaden
• "The Apprentice: How to Get Hired Not Fired" by Alan Sugar
• "Virgin King: Inside Richard Branson's Business Empire" by Tim Bouquet and Byron Ousey

These books help to expand pupils' real-world understanding of business concepts and promote a love of the subject.