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The Wavell School

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