Teaching Staff and Responsibilities
Mr Oranu – Subject Leader & Career Ready Coordinator [email protected]
Mr Bright – Teacher of Economics [email protected]
Mrs Lewis – Teacher of Business [email protected]
Miss O’Dwyer – Teacher of Business po’[email protected]
Mrs Meehan – Teacher of Business [email protected]
Ms Molloy – Teacher of Business [email protected]
Mrs Williams – Teacher of Business [email protected]
Mrs Rogers – Career Ready administrator [email protected]
Resources Available in Department
All classrooms are fitted with class set of computers each with internet access. All classrooms are also fitted with interactive and conventional whiteboards.
Ethos of the Department
The study of Business, Economics and Finance equips learners with transferable skills and an increased awareness of current events within a dynamic global and economic environment.
KS4 GCSE Business
Core Aim of Qualification
The qualification gives learners the opportunity to explore real business issues and how businesses work
Exam Board and Weblink to Exam Board
AQA
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects
Curriculum Overview
How Classes/Groups are Organised
Each year group is divided into three teaching groups with classes ranging from 20 to 25 students. All groups are mixed ability and taught by specialist and experienced Business teachers.
Links to Relevant Websites
https://www.tutor2u.net/business/topics
https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/guides/zrvb9j6/revision/1
https://revisionworld.com/gcse-revision/business-studies
KS5
A level Business;
A level Economics;
London Institute of Banking and Finance
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business
Core Aim of Qualification
AQA – A LEVEL BUSINESS
The AQA qualification takes a holistic approach to the subject, demonstrating the interrelated nature of business using business models, theories and techniques to support analysis of contemporary business issues and situations to provide a dynamic specification.
The content is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society.
Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions – all skills that are needed for further study and employment.
PEARSON EDEXCEL – A LEVEL ECONOMICS
The study of Economics provides a useful insight into the way our Economy works and shows how Economics affects us all in our day to day living. As well as developing an understanding of a range of economic concepts, the course develops analytical and quantitative skills that will equip students for the challenges, opportunities and responsibilities of adult and working life.
LIBF – THE LONDON INSTITUTE OF BANKING AND FINANCE
The LIBF qualification is designed to help individuals understand finances and the influence that they have on everyday life. Essential topics such as debt, loans, budgeting, pensions, mortgages and stock market investments are covered.
It is not necessary to have studied any prior business or financial services course at GCSE.
This qualification is not an A Level course but an industry produced qualification which is equivalent to A Levels in terms of UCAS points.
BTEC programme of study
BTECs embody a complete learner centred approach, with a flexible unit structure applied to project based assessments. They focus on developing students interpersonal, practical and thinking skills required for success in employment and higher education. We offer two BTEC qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business
Single Award. Equivalent in size to one A Level.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business
Double Award. Equivalent in size to two A Levels.
Exam Board and Weblink to Exam Board
AQA – A LEVEL BUSINESS
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-subjects
PEARSON EDEXCEL – A LEVEL ECONOMICS
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/subjects/economics.html
LIBF
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business
Entry Requirements
AQA – A LEVEL BUSINESS
No prior knowledge of business is required. If learners have studied GCSE Business it would be expected they have achieved a 6 grade. Students must also have a grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics and English.
PEARSON EDEXCEL – A LEVEL ECONOMICS
Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics and English
LIBF
Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics and English
BTEC programme of study
Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and English
Curriculum Overview
- AQA – A LEVEL BUSINESS
Students of this course study business in a variety of contexts (e.g. large/small, UK focused/ global, service/manufacturing).
Students consider:
The importance of the context of business in relation to decision making
The interrelated nature of business activities and how they affect competitiveness
The competitive environment and the markets in which businesses operate
The influences on functional decisions and plans including ethical and environmental issues
The factors that might determine whether a decision is successful eg the quality of data and the degree of uncertainty
How technology is changing the way decisions are made and how businesses operate and compete
The impact on stakeholders of functional decisions and their response to such decisions
The use of non-quantitative and quantitative data in decision making (including the interpretation of index numbers and calculations such as ratios and percentages).
PEARSON EDEXCEL – A LEVEL ECONOMICS
Theme 1 TITLE: Introduction to markets and market failure
This gives a general introduction to the nature of economics and how prices are determined in the real world and what can be done when things go wrong with the price mechanism.
Theme 2 TITLE: The UK Economy- Performance and Policies
This unit gives a general introduction to the key measures of economic performance which appear in our papers and on the news every day and what we can do to influence them
Theme 3 TITLE: Business behaviour and the Labour Market
This unit examines how businesses operate and grow and how the labour market operates. It then goes on to look at how government intervention can help to influence these areas of the economy.
Theme 4 TITLE: A Global Perspective
This unit develops the knowledge and skill gained on unit 2, but applies them to a global context. Students will develop an understanding of international economics, poverty and inequality, emerging and developing economies and the financial sector.
THE LONDON INSTITUTE OF BANKING AND FINANCE
Objective
To enable students to make informed and confident decisions regarding their finances.
Topic content
Importance of financial capability in the immediate, short, medium and long term.
The impact of external influences at different stages in the personal life cycle.
Risk and reward in managing personal finance.
Personal and external factors that lead to change.
Maintaining financial sustainability and avoiding long-term debt.
The financial services system and financial sustainability (individual and general).
Marketing techniques.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business
Units studied
| Year 12 Units | Unit Title | Assessment Method |
| 1 | Exploring Business | Portfolio |
| 3 | Personal & Business Finance | Exam |
| Year 13 Units | Unit Title | Assessment Method |
| 2 | Developing a Marketing Campaign | Controlled Assessment |
| 14 | Investigating Customer Service | Portfolio |
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Business
Units studied
| Year 12 Units | Unit Title | Assessment Method |
| 1 | Exploring Business | Portfolio |
| 3 | Personal & Business Finance | Exam |
| 4 | Managing an Event | Portfolio |
| 8 | Recruitment & Selection Process | Portfolio |
| Year 13 Units | Unit Title | Assessment Method |
| 2 | Developing a Marketing Campaign | Controlled Assessment |
| 14 | Investigating Customer Service | Portfolio |
| 5 | International Business | Portfolio |
| 6 | Principles of Management | Controlled Assessment |
Links to Relevant Websites
https://www.tutor2u.net/business/topics
https://s-cool.co.uk/a-level/business-studies
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/museum
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business
Future Pathways
Previous students have gone in to: Accounting & Finance, Commercial Banking, Corporate Finance, Insurance, Investment Banking, Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, Market Research, Product Management & Retail.
Careers
CAREER READY PROGRAMME
This is an initiative aimed at those students who are interested in pursuing a career in business. It represents the formation of a business school within the sixth form, and offers a framework for students to develop their business skills. To be part of this scheme, students must opt to take one business-related qualifications such as: BTEC Business, A Levels in Business, Economics or LIBF.
Career Ready students will receive a programme of enrichment activities aimed at developing employability skills, business knowledge and self-esteem. Key to the Academy experience is the student internship: an industry placement for up to 6 weeks, earned through an interview and fulfilment of work/coursework deadlines best met. Equally key is the opportunity for every student to be mentored by someone from business, allowing them to reflect their learning to an adult other than a teacher. The programme will also involve various trips to business institutions and access to successful business role models.