Our curriculum across both KS3 and KS4 is driven by our vision:
‘Transforming students into confident, innovative, and impactful business leaders of tomorrow through quality education and real-world experiences.’
BTEC, unlike GCSE is a vocationally related qualification, where learners develop knowledge and understanding by applying their learning and skills in a work-related context. The skills that the students will learn include: team working, working from a prescribed brief, working to deadlines, presenting information effectively and accurately completing administrative tasks and processes. Both the BTEC qualifications we offer are equivalent to 1 GCSE and give the students wide ranging skills.
Y9 Implementation
Via our carefully sequenced Schemes of Learning, designed with the science of learning in mind, our students will be introduced to the variety of job roles that exist within businesses and the various functions that are performed by individual roles, As well as the types of organisational structures used in businesses. They will discover that there are a number of important roles in any business which have to be performed effectively for that business to be successful. Businesses use person specifications and job descriptions to ensure that they recruit the best people to fill job vacancies. Students will be given the opportunity to complete these important documents for given job roles and will also have the opportunity to complete an application and an interview for a specific job role. They will also consider how to prepare for interview and employment and the necessary steps for career planning by producing their own career development plan.
Y9 Impact
In year 9, ongoing assessment of learning is undertaken through in class formative assessment – which is the most effective form of assessment in order to identify misconceptions in the moment and move learners on. We also use formal mini tests and practical assessments and undertake written tasks , via Microsoft Teams. Following assessment, we make sure pupils are addressing misconceptions and improving first attempts, so that they can build on their knowledge and skills.
Y9 Intent
Over the course of Year 9, our students will study Business Studies and learn the following:-
| Topic/Study Focus | Knowledge/Skill focus |
| Functional areas of a business | Understanding the different functional areas of a business and the ability to identify and explain the importance of functional areas in business operations |
| Business structures | Understanding the different types of organisational structures and the ability to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each structure |
| Aims and objectives of businesses | understanding the definitions of aims and objectives and the ability to evaluate the difference between aims and objectives and explain why SMART targets are essential for businesses. |
| Job roles and responsibilities | Understanding the different job roles and responsibilities and the ability to link different roles to responsibilities and create roles and responsibilities for a job |
| The recruitment process | Understanding of the different steps involved in the recruitment process, such as job analysis, job description, person specification, attracting candidates, shortlisting, interviewing, and selecting. |
| Creating a CV and job applications | Understanding the job requirements and tailoring the CV and job application to match the job description. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate skills, qualifications, and experience to potential employers. |
Y10 Implementation
Via our carefully sequenced Schemes of Learning, designed with the science of learning in mind, our students focus on the practical aspects of starting a micro enterprise, and providing hands-on experience to develop these skills. Therefore, the student should be given opportunities to conduct market research, identify a viable business idea, develop a business plan, and create a persuasive pitch to investors. In addition, they should be introduced to the legal and regulatory aspects of starting a business, and given an understanding of financial planning and management. Through these activities, the student will gain valuable skills and knowledge that will prepare them for future entrepreneurial endeavours.
Y10 Impact
In year 10, ongoing assessment of learning is undertaken through in class formative assessment – which is the most effective form of assessment in order to identify misconceptions in the moment, and move learners on. Students also complete various coursework assignments. These formal moments of assessment are undertaken termly , via Teams mini tests. This allows pupils to make links to prior learning and developing the skills needed for year 10 and 11.
Y10 Intent
Over the course of Year 10, our students continue to study Business Studies and learn the following:-
| Topic/Study Focus | Knowledge/Skill focus |
| Features of enterprises including: size, purpose, legal structures and business sectors | Knowledge of various types of enterprises such as sole traders, partnerships, companies and their legal structures. Understanding the purpose of different types of businesses and their sectors. Familiarity with the features of enterprises, including size, purpose, legal structures, and business sectors |
| Purpose of market research | The role of market research techniques to identify consumer needs, preferences, and behavior. Understanding the importance of market research in making informed business decisions |
| Examining external factors which impact businesses’ | Ability to examine external factors such as economic, social, political, and technological factors that impact businesses. |
| Researching business ideas and implementing own micro enterprise | Students will learn the skills needed to think like an entrepreneur and come up with their own business idea. |
| Creating a business plan for own micro enterprise | Students will research and conduct; market analysis, financial planning, marketing and promotion, leadership and problem solving skills |
| Creating a persuasive pitch to investors | Students will create a professional pitch, students will need to be persuasive, confident and communicate well |
Y11 Implementation
Via our carefully sequenced Schemes of Learning, designed with the science of learning in mind, the Year 11 course is built to equip business students with essential skills in marketing and financial management. Throughout the course, students will develop research, critical thinking, attention to detail, and analytical skills to evaluate market trends, identify target markets, and assess business performance using financial documents. Additionally, they will learn how to manage budgets, allocate resources, and make informed decisions using financial tools such as cash flow forecasts and breakeven analysis. By the end of the course, students will be able to recommend appropriate sources of finance based on a business’s financial needs and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different financing options.
Y11 Impact
In year 11, ongoing assessment of learning is undertaken through in class formative assessment – which is the most effective method to use to identify misconceptions in the moment and move learners on. In year 11, assessment of learning is also undertaken through Teams based formal assessments, and is set up so that pupils can undertake deliberate practice of exam style questions. This allows pupils to understand the types of questions they can be asked and understand how they are marked according to examination assessment objectives. .
Following assessment, we make sure students are addressing misconceptions so that pupils can make progress and achieve the best possible grade in the exam.
Year 11 Intent
In Year 11, pupils will learn the following:-
| Topic/Study Focus | Knowledge/Skill focus |
| Marketing for enterprises | Research Skills: They will develop research skills and learn how to analyse consumer behavior, market trends, and competition. They will learn how to conduct market research to identify a target market, understand their needs, and create targeted marketing campaigns. |
| Establishing target markets and market segmentation | Critical thinking skills: They will learn how to use critical thinking skills to identify and evaluate potential target markets and segmentation strategies. This may include analysing market data, identifying trends, and assessing the effectiveness of different segmentation strategies. |
| The importance of creating a budget | Financial management skills: They will learn how to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively, including identifying and prioritising expenses, forecasting revenue and expenses, and tracking expenses against the budget. |
| Completing and analysing financial documents | Attention to detail: Financial documents require a high level of accuracy, and pupils will need to develop good attention to detail to. Analytical skills: Analysing financial documents involves interpreting and evaluating data to draw conclusions and make recommendations |
| Evaluating financial documents to assess business performance. | Understanding different types of financial documents such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. Identifying key financial ratios and indicators, such as liquidity ratios and profitability ratios, to assess business performance. Analysing financial documents to identify trends, strengths, and weaknesses in a business’s financial performance |
| Using financial tools such as cash flow forecast and breakeven to make business decisions | Creating and interpreting cash flow forecasts to plan and manage a business’s cash flow. Using breakeven analysis to determine the minimum level of sales required to cover costs and make a profit. Using financial tools to make informed decisions about pricing, production levels, and investment opportunities. |
| Analyse and recommend different sources of finance | Analysing the advantages and disadvantages of each source of finance Evaluating a business’s financial needs and determining the most appropriate sources of finance to meet those needs while developing recommendations. |
