Business Department Intent
'Inspired and prepared to be a future player of the business world of tomorrow'
Develop and gain skills, knowledge and attributes to be a future player in the business world of the future.
Build academic capital through scholarship and contextual wider reading.
Build Entrepreneurial capital and capacity in students.
Develop key employability skills.
Appreciate and question the role businesses plays in local, national and world economies.
Introduction
At Broughton Hall Catholic High School, the Business department offers a curriculum that provides students with lots of opportunities to develop both academically and personally. We deliver valuable academic rigour across all courses, whilst providing students with opportunities to gain and enhance vital employability skills. We actively encourage students to be part of the learning process by contextualising the learning in a way that allows students to conceptualise what they have learnt so that they can understand, appreciate and question the global business world around them. We endeavour to support all students to develop into well rounded individuals; that one day will add value and make a positive difference to the world of work and business.
At the heart of our business curriculum are the core employability competencies and a curriculum rich in knowledge, it is this knowledge combined with core employability competencies that equips our students to gain a greater understanding of the business world and develop and apply their analytical and critical thinking skills, to evaluate business decision making processes and wider government and international decisions.
Carefully planned schemas across all Business courses ensures all students can build on prior learning, not only from the business course they are studying but also learning from across curricula they have studied previously. The implementation phase of our curriculum here at Broughton Hall endeavours to prepare students to add value to the business world of the future, empower them to stop, reflect, pay attention and be a 'future player' in this world.
We want our students to be inspired to take their place in the business world of the 21st century and make a difference as a result of what they have learnt from a well-rounded Business education, above all we want them to do this with passion, as Mary Barra (CEO General Motors) once said "whatever you decide to do, do it with passion and all of the energy that you have".
Staff
Ms A Lunney - Assistant Headteacher/Head of Department
Mrs K Cave - Teacher of Business
Ms M Strefford - Teacher of Business/Head of Year
Business Studies
Head of Department: Ms A Lunney
Contact email address: lunneya@broughtonhall.com
Specification: Pearson
Qualification: GCSE
Programme of Study KS4
Would you like to set up your own business and be a successful entrepreneur? Would you like to be a manager in a business? Have you got an interest in the news and how the government and their policies affect your everyday life? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then Business Studies is the GCSE for you.
You will learn about how the world of business works and its relevance to almost every aspect of modern society. Amongst other topics, you will learn about planning, finance, marketing and economics and discover some of the methods and techniques used to analyse an organisation's performance.
How is the course structured & assessed?
Students will learn about the purpose of business activity and the role of business enterprise and entrepreneurship, alongside the dynamic nature of business.
Students need to be aware of the impact that business has in the real world on the four functional areas of business:
- Business operations
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Finance
Students also investigate, assess and evaluate strategic decisions made by businesses in response to changes in the external and internal environment.
You will encounter a variety of teaching methods including case studies, role-plays and ICT alongside more traditional methods. Students will be expected to immerse themselves in a business-like mind-set and to pay attention to the world around them. For example, students would be expected to take note of relevant news items, which may be used as a basis for discussion and class work.
Students will sit two exams of equal weighting at the end of Year 11
What can these qualifications lead to?
This GCSE course opens exciting opportunities to study Business-related subjects at A-level.
We live in a corporate world and the markets operate around us constantly. Because of this, business is a universal subject. There are few, if any, careers for which an understanding of business would not be of some benefit. Business studies is also a key to attaining highly paid and challenging roles in all levels of management.
BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Business Enterprise
Head of Department: Ms A Lunney
Contact email address: lunneya@broughtonhall.com
Specification: Pearson
Qualification: BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Business Enterprise
Programme of Study KS4
If you are looking for a career in business and want to develop skills and understanding that are directly relevant to the business world, then this qualification is for you. The BTEC Technical Award in Business Enterprise has been designed to accredit a candidate's achievement in a modern and practical way. The course will help build the skills, knowledge and understanding of enterprises that are needed to continue studying and to start work. You will have the opportunity to explore what it means to set up and run an enterprise, as well as develop key skills and gain an insight into the sector. The skills and experience you will gain are vital to succeed in the business environment, thereby enhancing your employability within the business sector.
How is the course structured & assessed?
The qualification consists of three components that give learners the opportunity to explore what it means to set up and run a business enterprise, as well as develop key skills and gain an insight into the sector. Two of the units are internally assessed and externally moderated. One of the units is exam based and is externally assessed. You must pass all 3 components to successfully achieve this qualification.
Component 1: Exploring Enterprises (Internally assessed worth 30%)
In this component, you will investigate the different types of enterprise and their ownership, looking at the characteristics of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs with reasons for levels of success. You will understand the importance of having a clear focus on the customer and the importance of meeting their needs whilst developing relevant skills in market research.
Component 2: Planning for and Pitching an Enterprise Activity (Internally assessed worth 30%)
In this component, you will have the opportunity to plan how best to set up the chosen enterprise and how to fund it. Learners will individually select an idea for a micro-enterprise activity to plan and pitch. They will individually pitch your business plan for your idea to an audience and then use feedback to review your plan and pitch using your knowledge of business, and demonstrating entrepreneurial characteristics, qualities and skills.
Component 3: Promotion and Finance for Enterprise (external assessment worth 40%)
In this component, you will explore the different promotional methods used by enterprises and the factors that influence how enterprises identify and target your market. Learners will explore financial documents and how to use them to monitor and improve the performance of an enterprise in order to make decisions and recommend strategies for success
What can these qualifications lead to?
On successful completion of this course, you may wish to study one of our vocational courses in Sixth Form. This is the equivalent to one A Level and will further develop and extend knowledge from previous units. You will also have the opportunity to take on and study new topics within units. On successful completion of one of our vocational courses, you are then eligible to apply to university to continue your studies or vocations.
The course will also help build your skills, knowledge and understanding of businesses needed to enter the world of work in a business related role - or example: Supervisory or Management Trainee in areas such as retail management, marketing, fashion, customer service, finance, tourism, hospitality, public relations, international business, operations management and human resources.
Programme of Study KS5 - Applied Business
Key Information
Level: LEVEL 3
Examination Board: OCR
Subject Leader: Ms Lunney
Entry Requirements
Grade 4 and above Maths. Grade 5 and above English.
Why Choose this course?
This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the business environment and to focus on a specific aspect of business through applied learning. This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the business environment and to focus on a specific aspect of business through applied learning.
Prospects
This qualification provides a broad understanding of business knowledge and skills to support progress to higher education and is suitable for learning alongside other Level 3 qualifications, ie A levels and/or other Level 3 vocational qualifications (such as accounting, sociology, psychology, languages, Media, retail etc).
This qualification can also prepare you to take up employment in business and entrepreneurship, either directly after achieving the qualification or via higher education at university or college.
Studying this qualification will enable you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills recognised as most important by higher education and employers. The qualification also offers you an opportunity to develop transferrable skills, such as teamwork, research and communication as part of their applied learning.
Course Content
Unit 1 - The Business Environment - Examination
This unit will give learners an understanding of the wider external contexts in which businesses operate and of internal business functions and their interdependencies. The unit will allow them to appreciate how legal, financial, ethical and resource constraints can affect business behaviour and the influence that different stakeholders can have and how businesses must respond.
Unit 2 - Working in Business - Examination
This unit will give learners an understanding of the type of critical skills needed when working in business, such as organisation, prioritisation and effective communication. The unit will allow them to learn how to use different business documents and about organisational protocols that most businesses would expect employees to follow.
Unit 4 - Customers and Communication - Coursework
This unit will allow learners to appreciate how vital customers are to the success of a business. It will give them an understanding of how important it is for businesses to know their customers and what influences customer behaviour. In this unit, they will understand how to communicate with customers.
Unit 5 - Marketing and Market Research - Coursework
The unit has particular emphasis on the role of market research and how it contributes to marketing decision-making, and the actions a business may take. Market research is the process by which organisations obtain the information they require. You will gain an in-depth understanding of primary and secondary market research methods used to inform marketing decision-making and any constraints on marketing activities. You will develop an understanding of the importance of selecting appropriate market research methods for market research proposals and you will be able to carry out market research, analyse the market research findings and present the findings.
Unit 16 - Principles of Project Management - Coursework
In this unit you will learn about the stages of project management, and the type of skills a project manager should have. You will plan a project, and prepare a project plan. You will learn about the different planning tools available for project planning. Whilst preparing the project plan, you need to be aware of internal and external factors which might have an impact on the planning process, as well as the successful completion and implementation of a project.
Course Opportunities/ Activities
Throughout the year there is several opportunities and activities which complement the studies. There is several trips which will include visits to further and higher education institutions. There will be activities help which are relevant to elements of the course such as; trips to Merlin Entertainment locations across the UK.
Support and Challenge
Throughout the year students are supported on all elements of the course delivery. The support will ensure students are fully up to date on the portfolio task and fully prepared for external exam challenges. Students in all lessons will develop their contextual understanding, to further conceptualise their learning.
Student Comment
I would encourage you to pick Applied General Business because it explores many different aspects of business. The knowledge that I have gained is valuable and the course also helps to develop your creativity. Another benefit of this course is that it helps you with your other subjects in terms of your analytical skills.
Programme of Study KS5 - Business Studies
Key Information
Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Ms Lunney
Entry Requirements
English and Maths Grade 5 and above
Why Choose this course?
Taking A-level Business Studies is a great thing to do if you have aspirations of one day becoming self-employed or in a managerial position. A-level business studies can give you the tools and information required to understand how businesses are created, managed and become successful. The A-level business studies course is very similar to the economics A-level, so you learn a great deal about budgeting and financial stability.
Prospects
A-level business studies looks great to any employers as it shows you have a background information into how a business works, so you are automatically considered for higher positions. There are a number of career and university options your A-level in business studies will offer you.
Possible career choices with A-level business studies include management, marketing, finance, accounting, banking, retailing, manufacturing and local government. Many universities will accept business studies as a A-level when applying for courses such as economics, business studies and many other options.
Course Content
Business Studies is a fun, informative subject that bridges the science and art gap nicely. If you like the idea of managerial aspects of a job or working for yourself, then perhaps taking an A-level in business studies is a good idea.
A-level Business Studies helps you:
Develop a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of adding value
Be aware that business behaviour can be studied from the perspectives of a range of stakeholders
Acquire a range of skills including decision-making and problem-solving
Be aware of the current structure of business and business practice.
Course Opportunities/ Activities
Throughout the year there are several opportunities and activities which complement the business course. We feel especially in business trips enhance the teaching and learning and can effectively enable students to experience first-hand places, people and issues, bringing to life the topics being studied. These include; trips to local Universities and industry leaders such as Jaguar and Merlin Entertainment.
Support and Challenge
Throughout the year students are supported are given the knowledge and confidence to be a successful future business leader. Students will have access to read academic writing which will strengthen their, analysis and evaluation skills. The business team provide revision sessions to help the students to enhance their learning and further their analytically skills. Our ambition for all means is we are determined to remove any barriers in students achieving their true potential. Personalised and detailed feedback is given and students reflect and improve their answers. For each unit, reading materials are provided along with challenging articles. Staff work closely with the exam board and the students will attend revision sessions hosted by the exam company Tutor2u.
Student Comment
The topics I studied at GCSE were interesting, but A-Level Business is definitely more engaging. Although you might know about certain topics, A-level Business adds that further depth and critical thinking to your knowledge. I find that Business compliments my other subjects really well, as I am able to transfer knowledge from Business to further my learning in other subjects
Programme of Study KS5 - Economics
Key Information
Level: A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Ms Lunney
Entry Requirements
GCSE Grade 6 in English Language and Grade 7 in Maths. Students will find that they are not expected to have studied the subject or Business Studies before and that the assessment approach will motivate them to work hard.
Why Choose this course?
Economists are needed to advise the government, banks and industry. These are the experts that analyse the economic conditions that affect business and consumers. It offers insight into the world of money and business with which many of us are familiar. Everyone takes part in economic activity as consumers, employees, tax-payers and voters.
Young people ought to have an understanding of the economic system, and what is involved in buying and selling. People also need to know where their business stands in relation to the outside world. In all these cases a knowledge of Economics is extremely useful and relevant to people's lives. Indeed anyone who is interested in current affairs will be curious about Economics and what it has to offer. Students taking this subject are encouraged to read as widely as possible about contemporary economic issues.
Prospects
The skills which are developed are useful in Law, Management, Banking, Social Work, Civil Service, Local Government, Teaching, Journalism and Television.
Course Content
Economics will examine different systems for running a country, comment on which is best and why the government needs to intervene in the running of the nation, for example, by providing universities or hospitals. How far the government should intervene is a source of much economic debate. In a range of real life situations, Economics tries to provide answers to the questions 'which is best?' and 'which is fair?'.
Programme of Study KS5 - Marketing
Key Information
Level: LEVEL 3
Examination Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Ms Lunney
Entry Requirements
Students should normally have achieved 5 GCSE A*- C grades including Grade 4 English and Maths. It is not a pre-requisite to have studied Business at GCSE.
Why Choose this course?
A level 3 Certificate/Extended Certificate in Marketing is a fun and informative subject that bridges the science and art gap nicely. If you like the idea of managerial aspects of a job or working for yourself, then perhaps taking a Level 3 Applied A-level in Marketing is a good idea. This subject fits well with Applied Business.
Prospects
The qualifications provide a broad understanding of business knowledge and skills to support progress to higher education and is suitable for learning alongside other Level 3 qualifications, ie A levels and/or other Level 3 vocational qualifications (such as accounting, psychology, languages, leisure and tourism, Media, retail etc). Studying any of these qualifications will enable you to develop the fundamental knowledge and skills recognised as most important by higher education and employers.
Course Content
All of the units in this qualification are
mandatory.
Each of the qualification's units address key aspects of Business and Marketing. You will undertake a programme of assessment designed to assess not only
your knowledge and understanding of business and marketing, but also the way in which your knowledge and understanding can shape practical skills in beginning to think and realise your own plans about business and future employment goals.
