This GCSE specification introduces learners to the business world, empowering them to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals. Learners will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills, enabling them to use business information critically, to develop arguments, to make justified decisions and to prepare them for further study and career pathways.

 

The subject content enables learners to apply their knowledge and understanding to different business contexts, including businesses ranging from small enterprises to large multinationals and businesses operating in local, national and global contexts. Learners are required to develop an understanding of how these contexts impact on business behaviour.

The content is presented in six clear and distinct topic areas:

• Business activity

• Influences on business

• Business operations

• Finance

• Marketing

• Human resources

 

Exams The subject content for GCSE Business will be assessed across two examination papers.

 

Unit 1: Business World - 62.5% of qualification

Written examination: 2 hours

A mix of short answer and structured questions based on stimulus material covering all of the specification content

Total Marks: 100

 

Unit 2: Business Perceptions - 37.5% of qualification

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Data response questions covering all of the specification content

Total marks: 60

 

Both units assess content from all six topic areas, so learners will be required to draw together knowledge, skills and understanding from across the subject content in each assessment.

Entry Requirements:

6 GCSE A*- C grades including Welsh, English, and Maths. It is expected that pupils who have studied Business Studies at GCSE level have obtained a C grade or above.

What is Business?

The subject content enables learners to investigate different types and sizes of organisations in various business sectors and environments, drawing on local, national and global contexts, including data which relates to the Welsh business environment. Learners will develop an holistic understanding of business and enterprise and be aware of the opportunities and threats of operating in a global marketplace.

What will I learn whilst studying Business?

Learners will be expected to be familiar with current issues in business and be able to investigate, analyse and evaluate contemporary business opportunities and problems in a wide range of contexts, whilst recognising how businesses adapt to operate in a dynamic business environment. Learners will gain an understanding of the important role played by small businesses in the economy of Wales and the rest of the UK. In addition, learners will identify the opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs, as well as the importance of established business and not-for-profit organisations in providing goods and services. Learners will apply a number of analytical techniques, including decision-making models, investment appraisal tools and ratio analysis, to investigate business opportunities and problems to determine business strategy in a range of contexts. Learners will be expected to use a range of numerical skills and make justifiable decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods applied in the context of AS and A level Business.

Here are some of the aspects the pupils will study during this AS/ A level business course:

• Enterprise

• Business plans

• Markets

• Market research

• Business structure

• Business location

• Business finance

• Business revenue and costs

• Marketing

• Finance

• People in organisations (human resources)

• Operations management.

Course Content:

Unit 1: Business Opportunities

Unit 2: Business Functions

Unit 3: Business Analysis and Strategy

Unit 4: Business in a Changing World

Possible Careers:

Following a Business course can lead to a career in wide range of industries. Here is a list just to name a few: Banking, Insurance, Running your own business, Marketing, Accoutning, Business Law, Customer Service Deaprtment, Business Teacher, Promotion/ Advertising, Sales, Human Resources, Retail.

Link to the website of the course https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/business/r-business-gce-as-a/