Business Studies
The Edexcel GCSE (9–1) Business course introduces students to the world of small businesses and the processes involved in starting and growing an enterprise. It develops commercially minded and enterprising learners by exploring how business ideas emerge, how entrepreneurs respond to customer needs, and how organisations make decisions in a dynamic environment.
Students study two key themes: Investigating Small Business and Building a Business, which cover areas such as marketing, operations, finance, human resources, and external influences. This structure helps learners build from foundational concepts to a deeper understanding of how larger, established businesses operate and adapt.
Throughout the course, students apply their knowledge to real-world examples, developing analytical, evaluative, and quantitative skills. By the end of the qualification, they gain a strong understanding of the business world and the ability to make informed judgments about business activity.
Year 10 Curriculum Overview - Business Studies
Year 10 typically covers the full Theme 1 content:Theme 1 focuses on how small businesses are established, identifying opportunities, and understanding the decisions entrepreneurs make when starting and running a business. It explores customer needs, market research, competition, business aims and objectives, financial planning, and the factors that influence the success of new enterprises. The theme builds foundational knowledge of enterprise, risk, reward, and the dynamic nature of business activity.
Topics Covered in Year 10 (Theme 1)
1.1 Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
Students learn what enterprise is, the role of entrepreneurs, and how new business ideas come about.
1.2 Spotting a Business Opportunity
Focus on customer needs, market research, market segmentation, and understanding the competitive environment
1.3 Putting a Business Idea into Practice
Introduction to aims and objectives, revenue, costs, profit, break-even, cash flow, and sources of finance.
1.4 Making the Business Effective
Covers business location, the marketing mix, and producing business plans.
1.5 Understanding External Influences on Business
Students explore stakeholders, technology, legislation, the economy, and how these external factors affect business decisions.
Year 11 Curriculum Overview - Business Studies
Theme 2 focuses on how businesses grow and the decisions they make as they expand. Students explore the key functional areas—marketing, operations, finance, and human resources—while also considering how external factors such as the economy, legislation, and technology influence business choices. The theme builds on the foundations of Theme 1, requiring students to analyse business performance, evaluate strategic decisions, and understand how established businesses compete in the wider market.
Topics Covered in Year 11 (Theme 2)
2.1 Growing the Business
Internal and external growth, sources of finance, and how expansion affects business aims and structure.
2.2 Making Marketing Decisions
Applying the full marketing mix (4Ps) to help larger businesses compete effectively.
2.3 Making Operational Decisions
Production processes, efficiency, and quality management in growing organisations.
2.4 Making Financial Decisions
Analysing financial data to assess profitability, liquidity, and overall business performance.
2.5 Making Human Resource Decisions
Organisational structures, recruitment, training, and motivation to support business growth.
KS3 (Years 7-9)
Introduction to Business
In KS3, students are introduced to the fundamentals of business through engaging, accessible activities that build curiosity and confidence. They learn essential business keywords and concepts—such as enterprise, entrepreneurs, profit, customers, and marketing—which lay the groundwork for the more detailed content they will encounter at GCSE.
Students also gain practical experience by working in small groups to design, create, and run their own miniâbusinesses. This handsâon approach helps them understand how business ideas develop, how products and services are shaped by customer needs, and how teamwork and problemâsolving play a key role in successful enterprise. The KS3 programme is designed to spark interest, develop early analytical skills, and provide a strong foundation for future study in Business.
