Why do we learn business studies?
Year 10
Year 11
Meet our Team
Resources

Why do we learn business studies?

The Business Studies curriculum, plans to prepare the pupils for the economic, digital, fast-paced world they live in. Business Studies is a subject which draws, develops, and implements a range of different disciplines, including mathematics, science, engineering, geography and art. The subject embeds high quality literacy skills through analysis and evaluation techniques. 

Aims of Our Business Studies Curriculum:  

The Ark Victoria Academy Business Studies curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils:  

  • Know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society 

  • Apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts 

  • Develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems 

  • Develop as effective and independent pupils, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds 

  • Use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements 

  • Investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues to construct well-argued, well-evidenced, balanced and structured arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth and understanding of business 

  • Develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data to strengthen their mathematical skills. 

(adapted from Business GCSE Subject Content, 2015)

DSC03662
Topic Maps 83.01 KB
NIK_3148
Progression Maps 60.35 KB

Year 10

Autumn 1 Autumn 2
  • Why new business ideas come about.   
  • How new business ideas come about.
  • Risk: business failure, financial loss, lack of security.
  • Reward: business success, profit, independence.
  • The role of business enterprise and the purpose of business activity.
  • The role of entrepreneurship. Identifying and understanding customer needs.
  • Methods of market research.
  • The use of data in market research.
  • How businesses use market segmentation to target customers.
  • Understanding the competitive environment.
  • What business aims and business objectives are.   
  • Business aims and objectives when starting up.
  • Business calculations. Interpretation of breakeven diagrams.
  • Calculation and interpretation of cashflow forecasts.
  • Sources of finance for a start-up or established small business.
Spring 1 Spring 2
  • The concept of limited liability.   
  • The types of business ownership for startups.
  • The option of starting up and running a franchise operation.
  • How the elements of the marketing mix work together.
  • The purpose of planning business activity.
  • Who business stakeholders are and their different objectives.   
  • Stakeholders and businesses.
  • How technology influences business activity in terms of.
  • The impact of legislation on businesses.
Summer 1 Summer 2
  • The impact of the economic climate on businesses.   
  • The importance of external influences on business.
  • Methods of business growth and their impact.   
  • The types of business ownership for growing businesses.
  • Sources of finance for growing and established businesses.
  • How business aims and objectives change as businesses evolve.
  • Barriers to international trade.
  • How businesses compete internationally.
  • The impact of ethical and environmental considerations on businesses.

All Year 10 subjects 

Year 11

Autumn 1 Autumn 2
  • The design mix.
  • The product life cycle.
  • The importance to a business of differentiating a product/service
  • Different pricing, place and promotion methods
  • Using the marketing mix to build competitive advantage.
  • How an integrated marketing mix can influence competitive advantage.
  • The purpose of business operations.
  • Production processes.
  • Impacts of technology on production. The role of procurement.
  • The importance to businesses of providing good customer service.
  • The concept and calculation of gross and net profit margin.
  • The use and interpretation of quantitative business data to support, inform and justify business decisions.
  • The use and limitation of financial information in different organisational structures and when each are appropriate.
  • The importance of effective communication.
  • Different ways of working.
  • How businesses recruit people.
  • Why businesses train and develop employees.
  • How businesses motivate employees.
Spring 1 Spring 2
  • Unit 1 recap: Enterprise and entrepreneurship.   
  • Spotting a business opportunity.
  • Putting a business idea into practice.
  • Making the business effective.
  • Understanding external influences on business.
  • Revision - Unit 1 and 2 and re-teach.
Summer 1 Summer 2
  • Revision - Unit 1 and 2 and re-teach.
 N/A

All Year 11 subjects 

Meet our Team

Teacher of Business Studies

Mr Nandi

Resources

PE
Extra-Curricular