Business Studies
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing"
WALT DISNEY
Business at Kings Langley School
Business is a rigorous and thorough academic subject which develops skills in analysis and evaluation, and which helps students to develop an appreciation of the environment in which we live. The courses breed critical thinkers both at GCSE and A-Level and there is a specific emphasis on examination technique throughout the two years of study in both key stage 4 and 5.
Business supports student’s moral and cultural development and prepares them for the diversity of life with the application of real world scenarios. Topics in both GCSE and A-Level enable students to critically analyse decisions made by businesses in their pursuit of profit, and question whether these decisions are morally, and ethically, correct. Students also gain an understanding of the differences between varying economies across the globe and gives students the chance to offer critical opinions on how managers should make decisions based on these differentials.
Curriculum Intent
Students can study business as a GCSE option (AQA) from Year 10. It is a popular choice amongst many at Kings Langley School. Students will gain an understanding of current business decisions and develop an insight into the choices small, medium, and large businesses face in the changing external environment. Students will develop valuable analytical and evaluative writing skills, which are a necessity in further education. The course focuses on the decisions entrepreneurs and established managers make to start or grow their business.
How are students assessed on the GCSE Business 9-1 course?
Students sit two papers for AQA GCSE Business (9-1):
- Paper 1, includes the topics: Business in the real world, Influences on business, Business Operations and Human Resources.
- Paper 2, includes the topics: Business in the real world, Influences on business, Marketing and Finance.
The length of both exams are: 1 hour 45 minutes, each paper is worth 90 marks and accounts for 50% of the overall GCSE grade.
Curriculum overview: Business: KS4:
The specification can be found at: AQA | GCSE | Business | Specification at a glance
Key stage 5: A Level Business
Students can study AQA A Level business as part of their A Level options choices. In the first year of the course, students will receive 9 periods of teaching across a two-week timetable. During the second year of teaching, students will receive 10 periods of teaching across a two-week timetable. Although studying GCSE business will help students understand some concepts taught at A Level, it is not a necessity to have studied business at GCSE level.
A Level business will provide learners with a breadth of knowledge and understanding in relation to business activity in the modern world. The course focuses on the management and strategic decision-making businesses take, to survive or grow in a modern-day economy.
What’s in the specification?
In addition to core business concepts, the content includes themes designed to reflect current and emerging trends, such as:
- The impact of digital technology across business functions
- Customer relationship Management
- Productivity, performance and efficiency beyond manufacturing
- Quality of products and services, including delivery, complaints and customer experience
- Supply chain transparency, codes of conduct and third-party audits
- Environmental impact of operational decisions
- Equality, diversity, belonging and inclusion
- Developing people: purpose, value and challenges of acquiring, managing and developing talent
- Employee wellbeing, including mental health and flexible working
- Environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting
- Ethical issues in today’s business landscape
- Disruptive technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).
Assessment structure and design
Our approach to assessment includes:
- Specific topics assessed on specific papers – supporting clearer, more focused preparation
- A simplified approach to command words – helping learners understand what’s required at different levels of response
- Consistent paper structure – building student confidence and familiarity
- A practical approach to assessing quantitative skills in real-world business contexts.
Staff
Mr A Sharp - sharpan@kls.herts.sch.uk
Ms C Simpson - simpsonc@kls.herts.sch.uk
Mr D Kemp-Roberston - Kemp-RoberstonD@kls.herts.sch.uk
