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KS4: Enterprise and Marketing

Vision Statement

The Business Studies Department has exceptionally high standards and aims to provide pupils with the skills and knowledge required in an ever-changing economic society. With a focus on unlocking the potential of what could be the most exceptional business minds in the country, we provide a challenging and stimulating curriculum that will develop and support the next Richard Branson or Karen Brady. 

With strong links to Enterprise across the Academy, the Business Department gives all pupils the opportunity to work with others to develop ideas, and challenge themselves both logically and creatively. Universities and employers are not simply interested in academic performance, they are interested in those that have     demonstrated a wide-ranging engagement in community life and activities outside of the classroom. This is something that Business and Enterprise will certainly ensure.

We strongly believe that the fundamental aspects of Business underpin any work place, be it in financial,    education or manual occupations such as Plumbers or Electricians. We give every pupil a strong footing and ensure that they have the vital skills to be successful in the future. 

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

As with most vocational courses, the OCR Enterprise and Marketing requires pupils to complete a combination of internal controlled assessment and externally assessed examinations.

This qualification provides an engaging, practical and relevant introduction to the world of business. It encourages pupils to explore the range of business types and understand the factors that influence success through analysing business models. It enables pupils to develop, enhance and apply their research, practical, communication and technical skills through creating and presenting a business plan for a realistic business start-up in their local area. Pupils will study finance and analyse key financial statements (e.g. profit and loss accounts, and balance sheets), reviewing their importance in the successful financial management of a     business.

R064 – Enterprise and marketing concepts (Examination 50%)

R065 – Design a business proposal (Controlled assessment 25%)

R066 – Market and pitch a business proposal (Controlled assessment 25%)

Linked Sixth Form Courses:

  • Business Studies
  • Digital iMedia
  • Mathematics
  • Economics

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Accounting
  • Financial Advising
  • Teaching
  • Banking
  • Stockbroking

Departmental Performance:

  • 2022/23: 9-4 = 62%
  • 2021/22: 9-4 = 65%
  • 2020/21: 9-4 = 82%
  • 2019/20: 9-4 = 61%

KS5: BTEC Business Studies

Vision Statement

A BTEC National Extended Certificate is a level 3 qualification that will provide a vocational approach to studying Business. Through analysing real businesses and applying knowledge to ‘real life’ scenarios, all students will have the opportunity to learn a huge variety of skills that will form a strong basis for them to either use for their progression into university or into the world of business.

This is an exciting opportunity to achieve highly in a predominantly continual assessment course.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

This course is a BTEC National level 3 Extended Certificate in Business. With the completion of this certificate and the 4 units involved, the students will have the equivalent of 1 A Level.

The certificate is delivered across 360 Guided Learning Hours and broken down into 3 Mandatory Units and 1 chosen unit which comprise the following:

Unit 1: Exploring business

90 guided learning hours, internally assessed, coursework based

Features of different businesses, how they are organized and the environments in which they exist/operate within, examine business markets, contribution of innovation and enterprise to business success.

90 guided learning hours, externally assessed, exam taken in two parts:

  • Part A – 2 hour exam
  • Part B – 3 hour exam

Marketing principles and processes, interpreting marketing information and data and it’s impact on marketing campaigns, plan develop and adapt marketing campaigns and justifying with evidence.

120 guided learning hours, externally assessed, 2 hour exam

Business and personal finance principles and functions, financial issues and accounting, impact and outcome as a result of business and personal financial information and data, how financial data can be used and justified.

60 guided learning hours, internally assessed, coursework based

How effective recruitment and selection can contribute to success, demonstration of the process to a successful interview and being chosen, evaluating performance and reflection on recruitment processes.

Skills for Success:

  • Strong literacy and research and analysis skills in order to engage in extended response questions and have the ability to apply knowledge to different scenarios.
  • Numeracy skills to complete financial calculations including cash flow and management of liquidity.

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Financial advisor
  • HR manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Accountant
  • Marketing
  • Customer services
  • Estate agent

Departmental Performance:

  • 2022/23: D*-P = 100%
  • 2021/22: D*-P = 100%
  • 2020/21: D*-P = 100%
  • 2019/20: D*-P = 100%

KS5: LIBF Financial Studies

Please note, this subject is not offered for Year 12 from September 2024.

Vision Statement

As an Applied General qualification, the Certificate in Financial Studies is primarily designed for students aged 16–19 and provides a comprehensive introduction to personal finance. Its purpose is to prepare students for further study through the development of the core skills of critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication.
Financial studies develops the knowledge and skills required for young people to make informed financial decisions by introducing them to the risks and challenges involved in personal finance and the tools for effective planning. Within this, it provides a solid basis for creating financial inclusion, by exploring social-economic trends and their relationship with an individual’s circumstances and attitudes.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

Unit 1: Financial capability for the immediate and short term - 25%
  • Understand the value and purposes of money.
  • Understand the concept of the personal life cycle and the impact of external influences.
  • Understand the features of different types of financial services product.
  • Understand the role of key stakeholders in financial services provision.
  • Understand the characteristics of financial products for managing money.
  • Understand how to manage finance in the short term and the impact of poor decision-making and unforeseen circumstances.
  • Understand the impact of legislation and regulations on earnings and the key features of income tax and National Insurance.
  • Understand an individual’s financial needs through the various life stages.
  • Understand the influence of values, needs, wants and aspirations on financial decision-making.
  • Understand how to budget for future aspirations and life events.
  • Understand how to plan for medium- and long-term financial needs.
  • Understand the features of risks and rewards in managing personal finances.
  • Understand the features of different types of financial services product
  • Understand how to make informed financial choices in the selection of financial services products.
  • Understand when, where and how an individual can get financial help and advice.
  • Understand the importance of financial sustainability for individuals and the measures in place to support an individual’s sustainability.
  • Understand the key external financial factors influencing financial performance and the resulting effect on the consumer.
  • Understand the need to monitor personal budgets and adapt plans in response to changes in circumstances.
  • Understand the personal implications of debt and borrowing solutions for individuals in different circumstances and from different cultures.
  • Understand the Impact of global events, developments and ethical considerations upon the financial services industry and ultimately the consumer.
  • Understand the impact on the consumer of changes that have occurred in the financial services industry in recent years.
  • Understand how financial services providers work and the competitive environment in which they operate.
  • Understand the importance of sustainability for financial services providers and systems.
  • Understand the influences of external factors upon financial services providers and the impact on the products and services they provide.
  • Understand the effectiveness of marketing materials produced by financial services providers.

Skills for Success:

  • Importance of financial capability in the immediate, short, medium and long term.
  • Financial services and products, including sources of help and advice.
  • Borrowing, budgeting, financial planning and cash flow forecasting.
  • The impact of external influences at different stages in the personal life cycle.
  • Risk and reward in managing personal finance.

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Accountant
  • Banking
  • Law and legal services
  • Treasury professional
  • Claims handler
  • Auditor

Departmental Performance:

 

First results due 2025.