Business Studies

Business is offered at KS4. The boys are studying the Edexcel Examination Board Specification for “GCSE Business

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Mr A Kerr - Head of Department - ajk@bws.wilts.sch.uk

Ms E Greenwood – Teacher of Business Studies 

The operation of business impinges on virtually everything that we do, from the products and services that we buy to the places where we work. An understanding of the operation of business is almost essential if we are to find our way through life. For those wishing to pursue a career in finance or management studying business can help with decisions on career choice and enable an advantage to be gained over others pursuing different disciplines.

In any study of the way that business operates, students must make themselves aware of what is going on around them by keeping up to date with business news, reading the quality press, watching TV news and current affairs programmes etc. Recent events in the world economy have certainly brought the subject to life and students of Business Students are in a position to understand the significance of events and why they have taken place.

Continuing Business Studies at degree level can be very rewarding with a variety of study options available, enabling students to specialise in accounting, marketing, personnel, financial services etc.

Graduates in Business Subjects are very successful in obtaining well paid interesting jobs.

GCSE Business

At GCSE level, Business is offered as an option subject. The course provides an interesting view of the real business world with students gaining a good understanding of how businesses operate and the problems they encounter. The syllabus involves two exams taken in the summer of year 11.

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with business and economic news which can be achieved through the press, television, radio and websites such as that provided by the BBC.

Success at GCSE is dependent upon commitment by the student to his studies and the adoption of a methodical approach. Homework must be completed on time and to the best of a student’s ability. Focus in class and willingness to make a positive contribution will also yield dividends.

In Year 10 students take the following modules:-

  • Theme 1 Investigating small businesses

In Year 11 students take the following modules:-

  • Theme 2 Building a business

Students will be provided with textbooks to use in class as well as a wide variety of notes and exercises to use in class and at home.

There will be at least one test every half term.

Assessment will consist of a two 90-minute external examinations. One for Theme 1 and one for Theme 2.


Year 10 & 11

At GCSE level, Business is offered as an option subject. The course provides an interesting view of the real business world with students gaining a good understanding of how businesses operate and the problems they encounter.

The syllabus involves two exams taken in the summer of Year 11.

Students are encouraged to keep up to date with business and economic news which can be achieved through the press, television, radio and websites such as that provided by the BBC.

Success at GCSE is dependent upon commitment by the student to his studies and the adoption of a methodical approach. Homework must be completed on time and to the best of a student’s ability. Focus in class and willingness to make a positive contribution will also yield dividends.

In Year 10 students take the following modules:-

Theme 1 Investigating small businesses
In Year 11 students take the following modules:-

Theme 2 Building a business
Students will be provided with textbooks to use in class as well as a wide variety of notes and exercises to use in class and at home.

There will be at least one test every half term.

Assessment will consist of a two 90-minute external examinations. One for Theme 1 and one for Theme 2.

Year 10 GCSE Business - Edexcel Specifications
 Year 11 GCSE Business - Edexcel Specifications

Year 10 Business Studies Information
Year 10 Business Studies Handbook
Year 11 Business Studies Handbook