Business Studies

Topics

The GCSE Business Studies course at Kings Leadership Academy Liverpool covers a wide range of business-related topics to provide students with a strong foundation in both theory and practice. The course is split into two main themes:

• Theme 1: Investigating Small Businesses
  Students explore the fundamental concepts needed to start and run a small business. Topics include:

  • Enterprise and entrepreneurship

  • Spotting business opportunities

  • Putting a business idea into practice

  • Making the business effective

  • Understanding external influences on business

• Theme 2: Building a Business
  This theme focuses on the growth and development of businesses beyond the start-up phase, covering:

  • Business growth strategies

  • Making marketing decisions

  • Making operational decisions

  • Financial decision-making

  • Human resource management

Skills

Throughout the GCSE Business Studies course, students will develop a variety of important skills that are highly valued in both further education and the workplace. These include:

• Critical Thinking: Analysing case studies and business scenarios to identify issues and propose solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Understanding the challenges businesses face and how to address them effectively.

• Decision-Making: Evaluating information to make informed and reasoned business decisions.

• Numeracy: Interpreting financial data, performing business calculations, and understanding costs, revenues, and profits.

• Communication: Presenting arguments clearly in writing and discussions, often in the context of business planning and proposals.

These skills are transferable across a wide range of subjects and careers, particularly in areas such as management, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Assessment

The GCSE Business Studies course is assessed through two examination papers, both of which are taken at the end of Year 11. Each paper covers one of the two themes and is worth 50% of the final grade.

• Paper 1: Investigating Small Businesses
  Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 90 marks
  Content: Covers Theme 1 topics, including entrepreneurship, business planning, and external influences.

• Paper 2: Building a Business
  Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 90 marks
  Content: Covers Theme 2 topics, including business growth, marketing, operations, and finance.

Both papers include a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-answer questions designed to assess students' understanding and application of business concepts.

Every Wednesday after school in V15, we hold a Weekly Drop-In Study Session.

This session provides an ideal space for students to complete coursework, review topics, or catch up on any missed lessons. Mr Crawford, our dedicated GCSE Business and Computer Science teacher, offers one-to-one support, guiding students through any challenging areas and helping them build confidence in their understanding.
 

Studying GCSE Business Studies opens the door to a wide range of career paths and further education opportunities. The course provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing careers in business, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Possible Career Paths Include:

• Business management

• Accounting and finance

• Marketing and advertising

• Human resources

• Entrepreneurship and small business ownership

• Project management

• Retail and operations management

Homework

Set day: Monday
Due day: Following Monday
Format/platform: Smart Revise (Online)
 

Revision

BBC Bitesize - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/examspecs/z98snbk

Smart Revise - https://smartrevise.online/

Google Classroom - All lesson resources uploaded

1. “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries
   This book introduces the concept of lean methodology in entrepreneurship, teaching how to build a business with limited resources while adapting to change quickly. It's a must-read for students interested in startups and innovation.

2. “Shoe Dog” by Phil Knight
   The memoir of Nike's co-founder, this book offers insights into the challenges and successes of building a global brand from scratch. It’s a real-life look at entrepreneurship and business growth.

3. “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
   Kahneman explores decision-making, psychology, and economics in this groundbreaking book. It helps students understand how cognitive biases can impact business decisions.

4. “The Upstarts” by Brad Stone
   This book examines the rise of companies like Uber and Airbnb, showing how technology is reshaping traditional industries. It’s perfect for students interested in innovation and disruptive business models.

5. “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell
   Gladwell’s work explores how small actions can trigger widespread change, with real-world examples relevant to marketing and business growth strategies.

6. “How I Made It: 40 Successful Entrepreneurs Reveal All” by Rachel Bridge
   A collection of stories from successful entrepreneurs, offering insights into how they turned their ideas into successful businesses. It's inspiring for students thinking about entrepreneurship.

7. “Freakonomics” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
   This book applies economic theory to everyday situations, making it engaging and accessible. It helps students see the relevance of business and economics in daily life.

8. “Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur” by Richard Branson
   Branson shares the lessons he’s learned in building the Virgin Group. This book provides practical advice and is full of stories about taking risks and pursuing innovation.

9. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki
   A popular read that introduces financial literacy and investment strategies, this book is great for students interested in personal finance and entrepreneurship.

Edexcel Business Studies Revision Guide and Workbook
These resources are invaluable for exam preparation, consolidating core concepts, and practising exam questions.