Business Studies & Economics

Students all take part in a range of Enterprise activities in Years 7 & 8 which prepare them for GCSE Business Studies.

Exam Specification
Business GCSE Specification
Business A Level Specification
Economics A Level Specification

Curriculum Pathways & Schemes of Work
KS4 Business Studies Pathway

Key Stage 4

AQA GCSE Business is an engaging and practical course that helps students understand how businesses operate and succeed in the real world. Students will explore how entrepreneurs start businesses, how companies grow, and how businesses make decisions in response to customers, competition and the wider economy.

The course develops valuable skills such as analysis, decision making, numeracy, communication and evaluation. Students will learn to apply business concepts to real-life examples and build confidence answering exam-style questions using case studies and business scenarios.

What students will study

Students will cover key topics including:

  • Enterprise and entrepreneurship
  • Business aims and objectives
  • Ownership and business structures
  • Marketing and customer needs
  • Finance (revenue, costs, profit and cash flow)
  • Operations and production
  • Human resources and recruitment
  • How businesses respond to external influences (e.g. technology, competition and the economy)

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for students who are interested in current affairs, enjoy debating real-world issues, and want to develop skills that are useful in any future career. It also supports students who enjoy subjects such as Economics, Media, IT, and Maths.

Progression opportunities

AQA GCSE Business provides a strong foundation for further study and careers in:

  • A Level Business or Economics
  • Finance, Marketing and Management
  • Entrepreneurship and self-employment
  • Apprenticeships and careers in the business world

FANCY BUYING SHARES ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE?

Another thing we do is to give you the chance to buy real shares in real companies on the London Stock Exchange and we give a prize to the person who makes the wisest investment! This isn’t as easy as it sounds but it’s lots of fun and a really interesting way to learn about some of the bigger businesses in the UK.

FANCY SETTING UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

We can also help you set up & run your own business if that’s something you are interested in! Over the last 2 years, we’ve provided over £300 of funding from our budget for students to set up 3 small businesses. So, if you pick our subject, you could be part of the next group to successfully bid for funding for a business idea!

Sixth Form

Eduqas A Level Business is an engaging and academically challenging course that helps students understand how real businesses operate and make decisions. Students explore how organisations are set up, how they grow, and how they respond to competition, technology, and changes in the wider economy.

The course encourages students to think like business leaders, using real-world examples to develop strong skills in analysis, problem solving and evaluation. Learners will explore different business strategies and consider how decisions affect stakeholders such as customers, employees, owners and the local community.

What students will study

Students will develop knowledge and skills across key business areas, including:

  • Enterprise, business objectives and leadership
  • Marketing and digital marketing strategies
  • Finance (costs, revenue, profit, cash flow and budgeting)
  • Human resources and organisational structure
  • Operations management and quality
  • Business growth, globalisation and external influences
  • Business strategy and decision making
  • Using data to support business decisions

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for students who enjoy current affairs, debating business issues and applying knowledge to real scenarios. It supports progression alongside subjects such as Economics, Geography, Psychology, Maths and Computer Science, and is suitable for students aiming for university or apprenticeships.

Progression opportunities

Eduqas A Level Business provides excellent preparation for:

  • Business, Management or Economics degrees
  • Apprenticeships in finance, marketing, HR, management and entrepreneurship
  • Careers in areas such as business leadership, accounting, advertising, consultancy and starting your own business

AQA A Level Economics is a highly regarded course that helps students understand how the economy works and how decisions made by consumers, businesses and governments affect society. Students explore real-world issues such as inflation, unemployment, economic growth, inequality, international trade and the impact of government policies.

The course develops strong analytical and evaluation skills, encouraging students to interpret data, explain economic arguments clearly, and apply theory to current affairs and real-life contexts.

What students will study

Students will cover a wide range of microeconomic and macroeconomic topics, including:

  • Markets, demand and supply
  • Market failure and government intervention
  • Business behaviour and market structures
  • Labour markets and wage determination
  • Economic growth, inflation and unemployment
  • Fiscal, monetary and supply-side policies
  • Globalisation, trade and exchange rates
  • Living standards, inequality and development

Who is it for?

This course is ideal for students who enjoy debating real-world issues, working with data, and developing strong essay-writing skills. It complements subjects such as Business, Politics, Geography, Maths and History, and supports students interested in understanding how the modern world operates.

Progression opportunities

AQA A Level Economics provides a strong foundation for university courses and careers in areas such as:

  • Economics, Finance and Banking
  • Business and Management
  • Politics, International Relations and Law
  • Public policy, consultancy and data analysis