Curriculum Intent for Business Studies and Economics
Students will develop an understanding of business and economics that will be meaningful to their adult life and the world of work. They will learn to appreciate what businesses are, do and how they impact upon the wider world and a variety of stakeholders. Specifically, students will master vocabulary, have financial competence and know concepts/theories, which they will apply to real life business scenarios whilst considering the social, ethical, political and economic impact these decisions will have upon different stakeholder groups.
Click below to download the Curriculum map that shows a student’s learning journey throughout this subject at Finham Park School.
GCSE Business Studies Learning Journey
A Level Economics Learning Journey
A Level Business Studies Learning Journey
The Business and Economics department at Finham Park school is dynamic and strives to look at different approaches to suit the needs of the students. We aim to spark real interest and challenge our students by applying their learning to real business organisations and real-time business news and world events. Business is a popular option for GCSE and at Post 16. We aim to prepare students for life-long learning by implementing classroom strategies such as setting open ended discussions and promoting independent learning. The subject has a strong emphasis on the practical application of theory through the use of case studies and students are given opportunities to develop life skills such as researching information, communication, problem solving, decision making and working with others, to name a few.
We teach Business from Yr9 to Yr13 along with an Enrichment programme for Yr7 and Yr8 students. In Business, students explore what it means to be an entrepreneur, setting up and managing a successful business venture. Students also learn about the complexity of the business environment in which they operate including technological changes, the economic environment and the competitive environment.
We teach Economics at Post 16 and this subject is increasing in popularity due to its very current and topical application. Students learn about the Macro-Economic Environment (the study of the economy as a whole) and about Micro-Economics relating to specific businesses/industries.
FACILITIES
We have three dedicated teaching rooms that are equipped with computers and have additional tablets that are used for research and short assessments in classroom.
KEY STAGE 4
At the end of Yr8 students will choose their GCSE option. Students would have had an Enrichment programme that would have introduced the subject on a very basic level.
GCSE EDEXCEL BUSINESS COURSE CONTENT
Students will be introduced to the world of small businesses and find out how to develop an idea and spot an opportunity, and turn that into a successful business. They will understand how to make a business effective and manage money. Theme 1 will be taught in Yr9 and Yr10 which includes topics such as market research, business stakeholders, business and legislation and other external influences that impacts small businesses. There is greater emphasis on the financial aspect of the business where students need to learn to calculate cash flow forecasts and interpret them and learn basic concepts of revenue, costs and profit. Students will also gain skills such as application to various businesses, analysing the effects on the business and evaluating the possible solutions. There will be small projects that students will work on and they enjoy this practical side of the course.
After understanding how small businesses are run the focus will be on larger businesses and the strategies businesses use to grow their business and make it profitable. This is covered in Theme 2 that is taught in Yr11. There will be elements of Marketing, Production, Finance and Human Resources included in the course. Students will understand how these different functions work in a business and their objectives.
The course is assessed by taking two written examinations at the end of Yr11. Paper 1 is assessed on Theme1 of the course and Paper 2 is assessed on Theme2 of the course. Each paper is 1hr 30min and is worth 50% of the overall grade.
KEY STAGE 5
ALEVEL EDEXCEL BUSINESS COURSE CONTENT
The subject content for Business is structured so that the first year of the A-level starts with a foundation topic ‘What is Business?’ and moves into decision making within the functional areas of business; marketing, operations, finance and human resources. The first year will have the same content as AS course and the second year will be more focussed on the strategies business use and their effectiveness. Theme 3 and Theme 4 move from functions to strategy. You will explore influences on business strategy and decision making and understand how businesses mitigate risk and uncertainty. You will also explore global business and the opportunities and issues facing businesses in today’s global world.
The subject content is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today’s society – they will study key contemporary developments such as digital technology, business ethics, and globalisation. Business is a contemporary subject that is dynamic, progressive and useful in every aspect of life. It is relevant to all professions whether you choose to start your own business or progress in the business you work for. Anyone with a general interest in business, ethics, the economy, finance, marketing, human resources, management, will enjoy the course.
Extended reading is recommended for this course where students are encouraged to read the news and be aware of business decisions made so the effects can be discussed in the classroom. www.tutor2u.net is a recommended website for understanding concepts and reading topical news.
The A Level course is assessed by taking three written examinations at the end of Yr13.
Paper 1- Data response essay questions based on Theme 1 and Theme 4
Paper2 – Data response essay questions on business activities, decisions and strategies based on Theme 2 and Theme 3
Paper 3 – A research task before the exam. The questions in the exam are linked to the context you will research
For more information on the course please visit Edexcel website: http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/business-2015.html
ALEVEL AQA ECONOMICS COURSE CONTENT
Economics is a good subject for developing personal transferable skills. It is intellectually robust and of contemporary relevance. It can prepare students for very high-powered jobs that can be rewarding financially and intellectually. Many economics graduates have excellent, demanding and rewarding jobs.
You will develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand and analyse data, think critically about issues and make informed decisions. You will also build upon your quantitative skills and appreciate that, when evaluating arguments, both qualitative and quantitative evidence are important.
The subject content consists of Micro and Macro Economics. This will be taught in 4 units over the two years. In Year 12 the focus is on both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.
The operation of markets
- The economic problem and economic methodology
- Price determination in a competitive market
- Production, costs and revenue
- Competitive and concentrated markets
- The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets
The national economy in a global context
- Measurement of macroeconomic performance
- How the macro economy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis and related concepts
- Economic performance
- Macroeconomic policy
In Year 13 students will be building on the topics covered in the first year:
Individuals, firms, markets and market failure
- Individual economic decision making
- Production costs and revenue
- Perfect competition, imperfectly competitive markets and monopoly
- The labour market
- The distribution of income and wealth: poverty and inequality
- The market mechanism, market failure and government intervention in markets
The national and international economy
- The measurement of macroeconomic performance
- How the macroeconomy works: the circular flow of income, AD/AS analysis and related concepts
- Economic performance
- Financial markets and monetary policy
- Fiscal policy and supply-side policies
- The international economy
Extended reading is recommended for this course where students are encouraged to read the news and be aware of political decision made so the effects can be discussed in the classroom. www.tutor2u.net is a recommended website for understanding concepts and reading topical news.
The A Level course is assessed by taking three written examinations at the end of Yr13.
Paper 1 – Markets and market failure
Paper 2 – National and international economy
Paper 3 – Economic principles and issues
For more information on the course please visit AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/business-studies/a-level/economics-7136