Key Stage 4
We offer two courses at GCSE:
GCSE Business (Edexcel)
Theme 1: Investigating small business
Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 90 marks
Content overview
- Topic 1.1 Enterprise and entrepreneurship
- Topic 1.2 Spotting a business opportunity
- Topic 1.3 Putting a business idea into practice
- Topic 1.4 Making the business effective
- Topic 1.5 Understanding external influences on business
Assessment overview
The paper is divided into three sections: Section A: 35 marks Section B: 30 marks Section C: 25 marks. The paper will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions. Questions in Sections B and C will be based on business contexts given in the paper.
Theme 2: Building a business
Written examination: 1 hour and 30 minutes 50% of the qualification 90 marks
Content overview
- Topic 2.1 Growing the business
- Topic 2.2 Making marketing decisions
- Topic 2.3 Making operational decisions
- Topic 2.4 Making financial decisions
- Topic 2.5 Making human resource decisions
Assessment overview
The paper is divided into three sections: Section A: 35 marks Section B: 30 marks Section C: 25 marks. The paper will consist of calculations, multiple-choice, short-answer and extended-writing questions. Questions in Sections B and C will be based on business contexts given in the paper.
Vocational Business (OCR)
Students will study three units as part of the Enterprise and Marketing topic:
Enterprise and marketing concepts
Students will develop an understanding of how and why customer segmentation is used and how to target a customer market. They will also develop an understanding of how to attract and retain customers and the techniques to use when developing products and how to investigate what makes a product viable. This unit is assessed through an external exam.
Design a business proposal
Students will develop a business proposal for a given scenario where they will need to develop a new product based on a customer profile. They will develop their market research skills in this unit. This unit is assessed through coursework.
Market and pitch a business proposal
Students will create a brand identity and promotional plan for their product proposal in the previous unit. This unit will be assessed through coursework.
1 exam unit: 50%
2 coursework units: 25% each unit