BUSINESS STUDIES

Business, Enterprise and Economics

Curriculum Intent at KS4 and KS5

We aim to give all KS4 CHS students the opportunity to study a vocational subject as part of their curriculum. The BTEC Level 2 Tech Award in Enterprise is equivalent to one full GCSE in Business and covers three areas of enterprising activity:

‘Exploring Enterprise’ (internally assessed coursework – 30% of qualification)
‘Planning and Pitching a Micro-Enterprise Idea’ (internally assessed coursework – 30% of qualification) ‘
Marketing and Finance for Enterprise’ (externally assessed examination – 40% of qualification).

All businesses need enterprising employees to drive their organisations forward, to have ideas and to initiate growth and to ensure that businesses adapt in this fast-changing world. Enterprise is an important part of the business sector and plays a major role in the UK’s global economic status. The role of entrepreneurs is to help create wealth for the UK and its citizens through the creation of enterprises that innovate and grow the economy. In 2019, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) accounted for 99.90% of the business population in the UK and account for half the turnover in the UK private sector – around £2.2 trillion.

Students ENJOY Business and Enterprise at CHS as it aims to inspire students to understand the importance of enterprise and the nature of the business world. Students will leave the classroom enriched with a broad, balanced perspective of business and enterprise, as well as an inspiration for success and a passion to work hard in the community.

At CHS our Business and Enterprise curriculum ENDEAVOURS to enable students to have the ability to think commercially and creatively to demonstrate business acumen. Students at CHS will be aware of the impact of business in the real world through exploring a range of diverse case studies on local to global businesses.

Students will come to appreciate a wide view of how businesses operate in a multicultural society which will open their views to the evolving nature of businesses and what is needed to EXCEL in business and/or as an entrepreneur.

Curriculum Intent at KS5

At KS5, the department offers Level 3 academic (A Level Economics) and vocational (BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business (1 A Level equivalent) courses that intend to build on KS4 studies and prepare students to progress and excel into their chosen future pathway, whether that be higher study at university, degree apprenticeships, or high-quality employment.

The curriculum continues to support all pupils' enjoyment of learning, whilst requiring them to endeavour through self-study and regular assessment.

ENJOY: Learning is fulfilling, enriching, creative, safe and happy in disruption-free classrooms. Knowledge is delivered by expert, passionate teachers.
ENDEAVOUR: There is challenge in our curriculum through the breadth of subject offer and through the resilience and perseverance that is developed in all learners. Working hard at CHS is a key value.
EXCEL: All pupils will be supported and challenged to achieve academic excellence and to participate in the wider extra-curricular. Alongside this, the curriculum will develop students to be global 21st Century Citizens.

A Level Economics (linear with three exams at the end of two years study. No coursework)

Our A Level Economics (AQA) curriculum ensures CHS students are fully aware that economics is everywhere in modern-day life. Students examine in depth the effects of economic variables on everyday life for consumers, businesses and governments (microeconomics) and develop a considered understanding of the real-world effectiveness of government proposals in affecting the behaviour of individuals, firms and the wider economy (macroeconomics).

Economics’ principles provide students with analytical tools to interpret the world around them and to highlight all of the great challenges that face humanity – how to grow economies, tackle unemployment, grapple with environmental issues and explore economic issues such as: inequality, immigration, globalisation and how we should pay for public services. The nature of the subject necessitates developing discussion of the potential effects of current issues such as Brexit and how it affects not only our economy, but our daily lives and future opportunities.

Our Economics curriculum aims to develop pupils’ skills of analysis and inquiry and their ability to think critically about the world around them; so that they are able to make informed decisions when making economic choices that relate to their daily lives. We aim to develop essential skills such as analysing and interpreting data, building rational and logical arguments and making clear, convincing judgements. Economics combines both creativity and rational thought and students will confidently use a wide range of mathematical skills and balance these with strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

We aim to provide an enjoyable course of study that challenges and engages our pupils and enables them to perform well in their final assessments. We aim for all students to maximise their potential in this subject and enable them to access their next step in life whether that is university place, apprenticeship or employment.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business (coursework and exams)

The aim of the Level 3 Business curriculum is to equip CHS students with the appropriate knowledge and skills needed to develop their employability and identify business problems and opportunities. The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business (Edexcel) is a vocational course that is highly relevant in the 21st Century as it is designed to engage students through topics and issues that are relevant in today's society – comparing businesses (global and local); recruitment and selection; marketing; and finance. The knowledge acquired then allows students to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills.

Our Business Education (BTEC) curriculum is a mix of theory and real-life application of how businesses react and adapt and we purposefully sequence knowledge that enables our students to understand the core theoretical knowledge of how businesses and economies operate, and then look at national and global responses to the challenges that these businesses encounter. Our students learn the detail underpinning business ownership, operations, human resources, marketing, finance and how they react to external influences such as the economy, competition, globalisation and legislation.

Students develop greater understanding of local and national businesses and become independent learners through their research (a percentage of which is field research). The recruitment and selection unit helps them prepare for the real world process and all the relevant business documentation needed when entering into the competitive world of work. This unit also requires students to conduct role plays which develops their self-esteem, confidence and communication skills. Business and Personal finance is one of the exam units that helps their own personal development from a financial perspective alongside a sound introduction to business finance. Students are able and encouraged to conduct extended reading on this course with particular emphasis on the news and to be aware of business decisions made so the effects can be discussed in the classroom. This course prepares our students for further education, apprenticeships and the world of work.