Subject Overview

Studying business is important as we all come into contact with businesses every day – when we buy things, use goods and services, or even just observe adverts. The vast majority of us have to work for some kind of organisation. Businesses have been in the news more than ever in recent years, with the increasing popularity of television programmes such as The Apprentice, the economic downturn creating hardships for many companies, and the government seeking to promote an enterprise agenda within schools.

The business subjects on offer to Heart of England students will enable them to understand how organisations work, what influences their decisions, and help them to prepare for the world of work.

Syllabuses (Course Outline and Structure)

In Year 10 and 11 there are presently two AQA GCSE courses on offer:

GCSE Business Studies

In Year 10 and 11 students study the AQA GCSE course:

Students study six units across Year and Year 11:

• 1. Business in the real world
• 2. Influences on business
• 3. Business operations
• 4. Human resources
• 5. Marketing
• 6. Finance

Students are assessed via two written exam papers at the end of Y11. The exam papers are equally weighted and last 1 hr 45 minutes.

AQA Information

• AQA Website

Complementary Subject Combinations and Enrichment Activities

Students develop a range of skills through studying Business. Successful Business students will have a good grasp of Maths in order to complete the finance units, there will also be links with ICT and Media Studies.

Subject Resources

Schemes of Work

The best subject resources are those that have been created for students by their teachers. These are located in:

• L:/Business/KS4 (only available in school or by remote login)

Students can also use the following website:

• Tutor2U

Past Papers

Past papers are available from the AQA website:

• AQA Website

Other information

For more information please contact Lisa Ferguson