Business Studies

Business Studies is first introduced into the curriculum in Year 10 of Key Stage 4, as an IGCSE option. Business Studies gives students proof of their understanding of business concepts and techniques across a range of different types of businesses. Students gain lifelong skills, including:

• understanding different forms of business organisations, the environments in which businesses operate and business functions such as marketing, operations and finance;
• an appreciation of the critical role of people in business success;
• confidence to calculate and interpret business data;
• communication skills including the need to support arguments with reasons;
• ability to analyse business situations and reach decisions or judgements.

The syllabus provides both a foundation for further study at A Level and an ideal preparation for the world of work.

A summary of the IGCSE Business Studies syllabus, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 10 and 11 are provided in the IGCSE Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for IGCSE Business Studies may be found by visiting the CIE website (http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.

In Key Stage 5 in Year 12 the subject may be studied at GCE AS Level, and in Year 13 at GCE A Level. AS Level & A Level Business Studies gives students proof of their understanding of business concepts and techniques across a range of different types of businesses. The syllabus enables candidates to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role business plays in society. The course covers economic, environmental, ethical, governmental, legal, social and technological issues, and encourages a critical understanding of organisations, the markets they serve and the process of ‘adding value’. Students examine the management of organisations and, in particular, the process of decision-making in the context of a dynamic external environment.

A summary of the GCE AS Level and A Level Business Studiessyllabuses, and further information about all subjects offered in Years 12 and 13 are provided in the AS & A Level Prospectus, which may be downloaded here. The full syllabus for AS and A Level Business Studiesmay be found by visiting the CIE website(http://www.cie.org.uk) and locating the subject via its name and/or subject code.