Year 11 Business
GCSE in Business
SUMMARY OF SUBJECT CONTENT:
The Edexcel GCSE in Business offers students a comprehensive introduction to the world of business, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for future success. The course is structured around two main themes: Investigating Small Business and Building a Business.
In Theme 1, students explore the fundamentals of enterprise and entrepreneurship, learning what it takes to be an entrepreneur, and the key skills required. They delve into spotting business opportunities by identifying customer needs and conducting market research. This theme also covers the practical aspects of putting a business idea into practice, including setting business aims and objectives, understanding revenue, costs, and profit. Students learn about making a business effective through the marketing mix and choosing the right business location. Additionally, they examine the external influences on business, such as economic, legal, and environmental factors, and how these impact business operations.
Theme 2 focuses on the growth and development of businesses. Students investigate various methods of business growth and the effects of globalization on business operations. They make marketing decisions by exploring strategies related to product, price, promotion, and place. Operational decisions are also a key component, with students learning about business operations, quality control, and customer service. Financial decision-making is another critical area, covering sources of finance, cash flow management, and evaluating financial performance. Finally, students delve into human resource decisions, including recruitment, training, and employee motivation.
The Edexcel GCSE in Business is assessed through two externally examined papers, each lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes. These exams test students’ understanding of the course content and their ability to apply business concepts to real-world scenarios. By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in business principles, preparing them for further education and careers in the business world. This qualification not only enhances students’ analytical and problem-solving skills but also fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging them to think creatively and strategically. Whether students aspire to start their own business or pursue a career in a corporate environment, the Edexcel GCSE in Business provides a valuable stepping stone towards achieving their goals.
Specification at a glance
Exam Board: Edexcel
Specification Code:1BSO
UNITS |
% |
TIME |
WHEN |
NOTES |
Theme 1: Investigating Small Business. |
50% |
1 hour 45 minutes
|
Summer Term Year 11 |
This Unit is externally assessed by means of a written exam in June |
Theme 2: Building a Business |
50% |
1 hour 45 minutes
|
Summer Term Year 11
|
This Unit is externally assessed by means of a written exam in June.
|
What did my child study during Year 10?
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship
Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity
Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice
|
Topic 1.4 Making the business effective
Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business |
Topic 2.1 Growing the business |
What will my child study during Year 11?
Autumn Term |
Spring Term |
Summer Term |
Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions
Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions
Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions |
Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions
Exam Revision |
Exam Revision
Final |
How will my child be assessed and how will I know how well he/she is doing in Business in Year 11?
At the end of each topic, students will complete an assessment that includes past GCSE Business Exam questions. These assessments will be marked by the teacher. Students will then have a dedicated lesson to review the feedback and improve their answers. In addition, students will complete two mocks' examinations. One in November and a second in March.
Each student will use their personal tracking sheet to monitor their performance and identify gaps in each topic area.
What homework will my child be expected to do in Year 11 in Business?
Students will receive weekly homework assignments to reinforce their understanding of current and previous topics. These assignments will focus on case studies, allowing students to practice applying their knowledge. Additionally, students will regularly complete Seneca sessions to review and enhance their existing knowledge. As we approach the exams, the homework's will increasingly become exam focused and focus on past paper questions.
How can I support my child to do well in Business during Year 10?
- Encourage students to attend after-school sessions and participate in extracurricular activities.
- Ensure students complete all homework and practice using correct subject terminology.
- Promote the use of Seneca and other online revision resources for homework and revision.
- Encourage students to stay informed about current business developments, such as following news reports on the BBC.
My child is struggling during the course, what additional help is available to help them keep up?
All students have the option to arrange a catch-up session if they feel they need the additional support. In addition, a range of different online resources, including videos can be accessed from school and home, via Microsoft Teams. There are also a range of textbooks, practice workbooks and revision cards that can be purchased online. The list to recommended resources will be available on the student SharePoint.
Updated January 2025