Business
In choosing Business, students take an important step towards their future in the real world of work. Students can immerse themselves in the realities of making and losing a fortune.
Business continues to be a hugely popular choice for students choosing their GCSEs and post-16 options and a number of our students go on to study business-related subjects at university. Many of our students go on to become successful entrepreneurs in a variety of industries.
Business
In choosing Business, students take an important step towards their future in the real world of work. Students can immerse themselves in the realities of making and losing a fortune.
Business continues to be a hugely popular choice for students choosing their GCSEs and post-16 options and a number of our students go on to study business-related subjects at university. Many of our students go on to become successful entrepreneurs in a variety of industries.
Once students start their Edexcel GCSE Business course, they will be involved in both classroom activities and research into real organisations. Students will use their creativity to create Logos, business plans, TV adverts and assess how businesses are able to make us want to buy their products.
Students will be expected to use a varied range of sources of information such as interviews with people employed in the world of business, the Internet, publications as well as textbooks to develop your understanding of business across the world.
Students also benefit from knowledgeable staff and excellent resources, including dedicated computer rooms for all lessons.
At KS5, we offer the popular Edexcel BTEC L3 Extended Certificate, which is a course designed to help students apply their business knowledge to real companies and analyse how decisions made locally can have huge impact on international markets. Students are expected to be able to research, think, present, reflect and prove their understanding and application of real-world events.
By choosing business, students will:
Gain a broad understanding of business and be able to study selected areas in more depth
- Develop skills, knowledge and understanding in business
- Have an opportunity to apply learning in a practical and realistic way
- Follow a programme of study which enables progression to both higher education and employment within business
- Develop personal, learning and thinking skills, which are highly valued by employers and universities
- Gain confidence through developing independent learning skills
Business Curriculum Statement
At The Woodroffe School the Business Department is committed to providing students with high-quality vocational education that equips them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary for successful careers and further education.
In choosing one of our vocationally focused courses, students will have taken an important step towards their future in the real world of work. Our courses continue to be a popular choice for students from Year 10 through to Sixth Form study.
Whether students aim to go onto Higher Education or straight into the world of work, our engaging subjects will enable students to discover not only the theory our courses, but also how they work in the real world.
Whatever course students are on, they will be involved in both classroom activities and research into real organisations and scenarios. They will be expected to use a varied range of sources of information and research to access the ‘real world’ of their chosen path of study. Students also benefit from knowledgeable staff and excellent resources.
In Year 10 and 11 GCSE Business students are introduced to the world of business providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to equip them with the demands of BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Business in the Sixth Form.
Intent
- To Foster Career Readiness: We aim to prepare our students for the ever-evolving job market by offering a diverse range of vocational courses that align with industry demands and trends.
- Individualised Learning: Our department is dedicated to recognising the unique talents and aspirations of each student. We tailor our vocational programs to meet their specific needs and ambitions, ensuring they receive an experience that prepares them for whatever their future plans may be.
- Holistic Development: Beyond acquiring vocational skills, we focus on nurturing the personal and professional growth of our students. Our courses emphasis problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and adaptability, ensuring well-rounded individuals.
- Access and Inclusion: We are committed to providing equal access to vocational education for all students, regardless of background, ability, or circumstances. Our department promotes inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our courses.
Implementation
To fulfil our intent, we will undertake the following key strategies:
- Curriculum Enhancement: Continuously update and expand our vocational course offerings to align with industry standards. Engage with local businesses and experts to inform curriculum design.
- Student-Centric Approach: Conduct regular assessments to understand the unique needs and aspirations of each student.
- Professional Development: Invest in the professional development of the staff within the department, to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest industry practices and teaching methods.
- Inclusive Practices: Implement strategies to promote inclusivity, such as providing additional support for students with learning differences and creating an environment that respects and celebrates diversity.
Impact
Our commitment to the above intent and implementation strategies will yield the following impacts:
- Career Success: On completion of our vocational courses, students be equipped to enter the workforce well-prepared and with relevant skills, leading to a greater chance of employment and career advancement or further education.
- Personal Growth: Students will not only gain vocational skills but also develop as confident, adaptable, and responsible individuals who contribute positively to society.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Our department will reflect the diversity of our student body, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and has an equal opportunity to excel.
- Community Engagement: We will strengthen ties with local businesses, organisations, and the community, creating partnerships that benefit our students and the broader community.
Our Department is dedicated to providing students with the best possible vocational education, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers or further education and personal growth. Throughout our intent, implementation and impact strategies, we aim to make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of our students and the wider community
Year 10 & 11 Business: Exam Board EDEXCEL
This course is for students that have an interest in business and/or want to start their own business one day. They may have an enquiring mind and be interested in learning about the world around them, how businesses are set up, and what it is that makes someone a great entrepreneur.
This course is both active and enjoyable. Students will need to be good at communicating and explaining their ideas, and not afraid of learning new things and working with numbers to solve business problems. They will learn how to be a creative thinker and how to make decisions. What’s more, they will also learn about the world of business through research and investigation, as well as through practical tasks.
Theme 1: Investigating small business
Theme 1 concentrates on the key business concepts, issues and skills involved in starting and running a small business. It provides a framework for students to explore core concepts through the lens of an entrepreneur setting up a business. In this theme students will be introduced to local and national business contexts and will develop an understanding of how these contexts impact business behaviour and decisions.
Theme 2: Building a business
Theme 2 examines how a business develops beyond the start-up phase. It focuses on the key business concepts, issues and decisions used to grow a business, with an emphasis on aspects of marketing, operations, finance and human resources. It also considers the impact of the wider world on the decisions a business makes as it grows. In this theme students will be introduced to national and global business contexts and will develop an understanding of how these contexts impact business behaviour and decisions.
Years 12 & 13 Business: Exam Board EDEXCEL
The BTEC Level 3 Business qualification has been developed to provide students with the opportunity to enter employment in the business sector or to progress to higher vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher Nationals in Business, help develop a range of skills and techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.
The specification is designed to appeal to students interested in a career in business. The core units in the qualification give students an introduction to and understanding of the business environment, management of resources, marketing and communication – all fundamental to the success of business organisations.
The structure of the qualification allows a great deal of choice and flexibility. The flexibility of the specification gives students opportunities for imaginative, innovative and creative curriculum planning and delivery. The course also addresses sector needs and skills gaps such as in the finance, administration and management areas.