Business (BTEC

This course is offered as a BTEC qualification not a GCSE at present. BTEC Level 2 qualifications are of the same worth and value as GCSEs. It is considered a vocational qualification and whilst it covers the same topics as the GCSE, it is mainly assessed via coursework rather than terminal examinations.

WHY SHOULD I OPT FOR BUSINESS STUDIES?

If you’ve ever thought about running your own business or have looked at successful entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk or Beyonce and wanted to do what they do – then business studies is a great way of exploring the world of enterprise. The subject takes a practical look at how a business works, how to set up your own business and meet customer demand, as well as how to manage business finance, market your ideas and get a job. Business and related subjects are among the most popular fields of study at universities worldwide and business graduates are in high demand and often highly paid! And if you’ve ever had a test and thought “I wish I’d written that” after the exam finished – in BTEC Business, you can write that. Three-quarters of the overall grade is through coursework allowing you to develop and work on your answer until it’s perfect (before the final deadline) rather than just in an exam at the end of the course.

BRIEF OVERVIEW

The course is comprised of four units; each unit is worth 25% of the final grade. 1: Introduction to Business (coursework) You’ll consider what a business is and what it does. This unit explores a business’ purpose, activities, aims and objectives. It looks into market research and marketing strategies. 2: Finance for Business (exam) Most businesses want to make a profit, but they need to recognise their costs too. This unit explores costs, revenue, breakeven analysis and how companies can forecast their cash flow. You’ll also explore financial statements like profit and loss accounts and balance sheets.

3: Enterprise in the Business World (coursework) Have you ever considered setting up your own business? This unit explores the world in which your business idea can be created - from the competition, location, customers, economic factors, trends, and much more. You’ll create a business plan and pitch your idea.

4: Recruitment, Selection, and Employment

(coursework) Businesses succeed on the calibre of the people who work for them. This unit first explores types of functional areas, job roles and organisational charts in a business. Students then create a job vacancy for a company which they then apply and interview for. Students also develop their own career development plan.

ASSESSMENT

Three units are coursework units which are marked and assessed by your class teacher, moderated within school, before being verified by BTEC. The coursework units comprise of three sections and each comprise of pass, merit, and distinction standard tasks.

The exam unit is a 75-minute exam completed on a computer under standard exam conditions. This is marked by the exam board and students are awarded a grade based on their scores. Students are also able to attempt this unit twice, with the higher of the two scores used to calculate their final grade.

HOW WILL THIS QUALIFICATION HELP ME IN THE FUTURE?

The syllabus provides both a foundation and an ideal preparation for the world of work as the knowledge and skills acquired support progression to a broad range of Level 3 study, whether academic or vocational, from A Levels to BTEC Nationals and apprenticeships. Through their studies, students not only learn about business concepts and techniques but also enhance related skills such as numeracy and enquiry.