• Faculty Leader: Mr M Hughes

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Faculty Leader email: m.hughes@decschool.co.uk

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Examination Board: Persons Edexcel

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Name of Course: GCSE Business

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How the course is assessed:

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The course consists of two external examinations Theme 1: Investigating a small business Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes Theme 2: Building a business Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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FURTHER DETAILS LINK [ Business Studies Curriculum and Assessment Policy]

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Outline of course:

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The specification consists of the following themes.

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Theme 1 Investigating a Small Business

 

Theme 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business.​

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Content:

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Theme 1 comprises of five topic areas:

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• 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 a business effective  

• Topic 1.5. Understanding External Forces

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Theme 2: Building a business:

 

Theme 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with emphases on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. Theme 2 also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it growths.

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Content:

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Theme 2 comprises of five topic areas:

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• Topic 2.1. Growing the business

• Topic 2.2. Making marketing decisions

• Topic 2.3. Making operational decisions

• Topic 2.4. Making financial decisions

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BTEC Level 3 in Business:

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Key facts:

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• Location: Dame Elizabeth Cadbury

• Level of study: Level 3

• Full-time/Part-time: Full Time

• Duration: Two years

• Day/Evening: Day

• Awarding body: BTEC

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What is this subject about?

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Are you aiming for a career in business, management, accounting or law? This course is designed to give you a practical and professional knowledge you need to succeed in these highly competitive sectors. We provide you with the opportunity to study for a work- related qualification, giving you a substantial understanding of each vocational area.

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Course Structure:

 

Classroom based.

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How you will learn:

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Through formal lessons, case studies, business-related activities, individual research, guest speakers and visits.

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You must complete four units of work:

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Year 12 Unit 1 (90 GLH) – Exploring business (mandatory), Unit 2 (90 GLH) – Developing a marketing campaign. (mandatory) Year 13 Unit 3 (120 GLH) – Personal and Business Finance. (mandatory),Unit 8 (60 GLH) - Recruitment and selection process. (optional unit).

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How are you assessed?

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Year 12 Unit 1 – Controlled assessment completed in class -Requested by BTEC. Unit 2 – Pre-seen case study and then write-up completed under examination conditions. Year 13 Unit 3 – External examination ,Unit 8 - Controlled assessment completed in class - Requested by BTEC.

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Progression Routes and Career opportunities:

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A wide range of business careers such as accounting technician, facilities officer, fundraiser, housing officer, insurance claims settler, legal secretary, paralegal or trainee legal executive, customer services officer.

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Further study:

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A range of higher education courses such as HNCs, honours degrees and foundation degrees, such as the HNC Business and the Foundation Degree Management and Business Enterprise.

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Attendance:

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One day a week.

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Course Costs (subject to change):

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Tuition and certification are free if you are 16-18 years old.

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