Business Department
Business Studies enables students to understand the real world that is happening now; gives them an insight into what they will be facing (no matter what career path they follow) in the future; gives them a taste of several different aspects to a business and is one of the most popular subjects studied at degree level in either its pure business form or as a specialised aspect.
The subject content has a huge range from ownership types, legal, finance, HR, motivation, basic economics, marketing amongst other things which gives students an insight into the world of work and a taste of the different aspects to a business which every working adult will face at some point in their careers.
The skills needed to achieve a high grade are on a par with the traditional academic subjects, for example there is a lot of analysis and evaluation skills needed.
The subject provides a basic common education that every young adult needs to make sense of the world we live in, to make sense of the decisions that are made at work, to try and make sense of the decisions made by governments, to understand the implications of these decisions etc.
Key Stage 3
The constant flux of modern-day life means our young people need to be resilient, innovative, and intellectually curious – all key characteristics of entrepreneurs. We are building Enterprise into our KS3 curriculum as an enhancement opportunity. ‘In the Den’ involves students working in small teams to pitch an idea to a panel (local business owners). Giving students the opportunity to judge whether their idea is feasible, to work on branding and marketing ideas, identify a unique selling point, calculate some basic finance figures, and bring their ideas together through a presentation pitch. In short, they get to see if they could be the next Dragon! This allows students to both enhance their soft skills – often voiced as lacking by employers.
We are seeking to strengthen our relationship with local business owners – for them to act as mentors, lead workshops and even run elements of some of lessons. It is important that the students feel that these links are genuine, and they provide an exciting dynamic for the students and the owners.
Key Stage 4
All students are given the opportunity to study more about the business world. We have a range of KS4 option choices available that enable students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals who think critically, drawing on business information and evidence to develop arguments and make justified decisions. The various course specifications should motivate and challenge students and prepare them to make informed decisions about further study and career pathways.
The aims of business at ks4:
• know and understand business concepts, business terminology, business objectives, the integrated nature of business activity and the impact of business on individuals and wider society
• apply knowledge and understanding to contemporary business issues and to different types and sizes of businesses in local, national, and global contexts
• develop as enterprising individuals with the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen, and draw on evidence to make informed business decisions and solve business problems
• develop as effective and independent students, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds • use an enquiring, critical approach to make informed judgements
• investigate and analyse real business opportunities and issues to construct well argued, well-evidenced, balanced, and structured arguments, demonstrating their depth and breadth of understanding of business
• develop and apply quantitative skills relevant to business, including using and interpreting data
To view our KS4 Business curriculum progression map, see attachment below.
To review our option choices at KS4, see attachment below. It details all KS4 courses on offer to our students, units/topics to be covered, skills that will be used and taught as well as how the courses are assessed.
To find out more please get in touch with the Head of CS, Business & Vocational, Lynn Butler on Lynn.Butler@northgosforth.co.uk
Reference: Department for Education (publishing.service.gov.uk)