Business Studies

The IGCSE Business Studies qualification introduces students to the world of business and the key areas of study within it.

The course covers fundamental concepts such as Business Operations, Marketing, Finance, Human Resource Management, Motivation, and the influence of External Factors on business decision-making. Now updated fully to fall inline with world wide qualifications in Business, students are graded on a 1-9 scale, undertaking two exams at the end of their studies in Year 11.

The curriculum is purposely designed to provide a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Lessons are designed to dynamic and interactive, involving case studies, group projects, and opportunities to simulate real-world business scenarios, with students coming up with appropriate solutions. This hands-on approach to learning ensures that students not only understand the principles which guide business in the real world, but also develop their own critical thinking and problem solving skills which prepare them for further studies and future careers.

Syllabus Cambridge IGCSE™ Business Studies

The IB Business Management course equips students with the knowledge and understanding needed to analyse and solve complex business challenges in a global context, whilst earning an internationally recognised qualification.

The curriculum breadth is wide, covering topics such as Business Strategy, Organisational Structure, Finance and Financial Analysis, Marketing, Operations, and Human Resource Management. Students have the option of studying IB Business Management at either SL or HL, with SL students undertaking two external exams at the end of their studies, HL students undertaking three external exams, and both SL and HL students undertaking an IA completed between Year 12 and 13.

Embedded throughout the course, Theory of Knowledge enhances students' critical undestanding, encouraging students to explore the ethical implications of business decisions, cultural decisions on management practices and marketing approaches, and the limitations of different business models in various contexts.

The teaching approach is inquiry-based and collaborative, drawing on the expertise of the Business Department Staff to contextualise learning through application, debate, and questioning. Students are encouraged to engage in reading around the subject, maintaining an up to date awareness of current affairs in the world of business, whilst developing their practical understanding. All of this fosters critical analysis, creativity, and ethical reasoning - all of which is essential for success in higher education and the workplace. 

IB Diploma Programme Subject Brief Individuals and societies: Business management—higher level 

IB Diploma Programme Subject Brief Individuals and societies: Business management—standard level

The International BTEC Level 3 in Business offers students the opportunity to study business whilst applying theory to real world business scenarios, and solving real issues presented by real businesses.

Unlike any other course on offer within the Business and Economics Department, the BTEC pathway offers students the chance to earn qualifications equivalent to up to three A-Levels, through undertaking a variety of different units of study, and completing their work in class. The BTEC qualification is assessed through various portfolios of coursework rather than through a traditional exam route, meaning students recieve continuous support, guidance, and insights into their own progress, allowing them opportunities for success from the word go.

Students can choose from three options when choosing to study the BTEC route - either the one A-Level equivalent totalling 6 units of work over two years, the two A-Level equivalent totalling 12 units of work over two years, or the three A-Level equivalent totalling 18 units of work over two years, with appropriate time given in school to complete their work. Marks awarded are different from other qualifications, and comprise Distinction* (equivalent to an A* at A-Level), Distinction (equivalent to an A at A-Level), Merit (equivalent to a C at A-Level), or Pass (equivalent to an E at A-Level), with grades determined overall by the coursework submitted by students.

There are no exams on this route, presenting students with an opportunity to study and learn a range of business topics, all assessed continuously throughout their time on the course.

International BTEC Level 3 Business

Every country has to decide how to use resources that are limited: whether to build more hospitals or more warships, whether to raise taxes to pay for schools, how to keep prices stable while creating jobs. Economics studies how these decisions are made and what happens as a result, for households, businesses, governments and the global economy.

The course is made up of four units. Students begin with markets in action, looking at supply, demand, prices and market failure, then move on to macroeconomic performance, covering growth, inflation, unemployment and government policy. In Year 13 they study business behaviour, including costs, profits, market structures and labour markets, and developments in the global economy, from trade and exchange rates to poverty, inequality and development.

Each unit is assessed by a written examination combining multiple-choice questions, data response and essays. Students need to be comfortable with numbers and able to write clear, well-argued essays, and an interest in current affairs makes a big difference. Economics leads on to degrees in economics, finance, business, accounting, politics and law.