Business and related subjects including management and marketing are amongst the most common fields of study at universities worldwide. It is therefore no surprise that since introducing the subject into the Sixth Form, our Business Department has gone from strength to strength. The experienced and enthusiastic teachers help pupils to develop a whole host of transferable skills which are useful and relevant to almost every career.
Resources
Course content is invariably delivered interactively, with pupils making use of their devices to assist learning. We regularly use Exampro to prepare students for exams from the beginning. Students are also encouraged to sign up to news websites, so they remain up to date with current event. We also use up to date business examples to capture the students' interests.
Additional Opportunities
Industry experts are invited regularly to the College to share their knowledge and experience on particular areas such as advertising and marketing. Pupils interested in setting up their own companies enjoy entering the headmasters award. We also visit local businesses to use them as case studies for coursework units in CTEC.
We also pride ourselves on planning yearly overseas trips to get students to really understand the business environment both in the UK but also internationally.
Curriculum
Year 10 and 11 students study the Edexel GCSE (9-1) business specification. The course is split into two themes; investigating small business and building a business. The GCSE is an engaging and inspiring qualification, which reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving business environment. The qualification enables students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising individuals and helps them to succeed in their chosen pathway.
In Sixth form Business is offered as a CTEC (a vocational qualification) and as an A-level.
For the vocational qualifications - CTEC - it consists of two exams, one sat in January of Year 12 and the other in Year 13, as well as three coursework units split across the two years. It is all hands-on with real life case studies to provide the perfect option for many pupils, with a high proportion earning distinction* / distinction grades each year. The course suits pupils who are interested in business / current affairs and have good research skills. The CTEC course allows students to study a range of business disciplines including finance, human resources, marketing and customer services. As part of the course, students will also be required to create a marketing campaign for a local company and take part in the Head's Business Award.
A-level business brings the world of organisations to life, exploring marketing, finance, operations and people management through real-world examples. You’ll discover how businesses make decisions, adapt to challenges and succeed in competitive environments. Along the way, you’ll gain valuable skills in problem-solving, data analysis, critical thinking and persuasive communication – all highly valued by employers and universities. Assessment is through three engaging exam papers at the end of Year 13, testing your knowledge, application and business insight.