Business Studies

Course Title GCSE Business Studies
Exam board OCR
Specification code J253
Qualification GCSE
QN code 50045593
Summary of course content
  1. Unit A291: Marketing and enterprise
Marketing:
  • Market research and data collection
  • The marketing mix
  • Marketing in the wider business environment
Enterprise:
  • Enterprise and the entrepreneur
  • The business plan
  1. Unit A292: Business and people
  • The need for business activity
  • The structure of business activity:
  • The need for business activity
  • Business ownership, trading organisations, growth and location
  • The workforce in business:
  • Employment and retention
  • Organisation and communication
  • Business ownership, trading organisations, growth and location
  • Employment and retention
  • Organisation and communication
  1. Unit A293: Production, finance and the external business environment
  • Using and managing resources to produce goods and services:
  • Types of production methods
  • Management and control of production
  • Production costs
  • Financial information and decision making:
  • Sources of finance
  • Financial forecasting and analysis
  • External influences on business activity:
  • The competitive environment
  • Environmental influences and business ethics
  • Government and the UK economy
  • Globalisation and UK business
How will I be assessed? The controlled assessment task will be undertaken during the Autumn Term of year 10 There will be 2 externally examined units to be taken in the May/June examination in Year 11. Controlled assessment in Autumn Term of year 10 60 marks -25% of the qualification Candidates select one of the two controlled assessment tasks made available by OCR. Written paper to be taken in the May/June Examination in Year 11 1 hour – 60 marks 25% of the qualification Question paper: short-answer data-response questions. Candidates answer both questions Written paper to be taken in the May/June Examination in Year 11 1 hour 30 mins – 90 marks 50% of the qualification Question paper: Questions based on a pre-released case study. Candidates answer all questions. 
What type of activities take place in lessons? The course covers various parts of business activities and economic influences on business.  We look at the reasons for businesses and how they have structured the environment for consumers and customers.  We create and present our own business plans and analyse the role of an Entrepreneur. We analyse the different functions of the modern business and how they integrate with external factors. We study the economic cycle and the government’s influence on businesses and consumers.   We discuss Globalisation and the European Union’s impact on businesses and the economy. We look at finance and the analysis of financial records.  We analyse, research and give practical solutions for business situations and practice. This includes aspects such as:
  • Developing business terminology and business knowledge.
  • Identifying businesses in varies sectors.
  • Understanding the role of the entrepreneur.
  • Developing a practical business plan.
  • Developing business presentation skills.
  • Planning and running a selected business project.
  • Analysis of changing business factors.
  • Discussion of business concepts.
  • Analysis and interpretation of financial accounts.
  • Research and interpret current economic affairs.
What type of homework tasks will be set? Project based tasks and activities. Research and written tasks. Exam practice questions. Independent research.
Useful Links www.businessstudiesonline.co.uk www.bized.co.uk www.thetimes100.co.uk www.tutor2u.net
Useful Publications OCR Business Studies for GCSE [Paperback] Peter Kennerdell , Alan Williams, Mike Schofield OCR GCSE Business Studies Revision Guide [Paperback]
How will it help me in the future? As a result of studying Business Studies you will be: 
  • Access Further Education related to business management, economics and financial accounting at Level 3 at FE colleges
  • Able to make informed decisions about further learning opportunities and career choices including apprenticeships in business.
  • Creating and developing interest in business planning and entrepreneurship. 
  • Understanding the economic sector and their influences on our lives.
  • You will also be developing your written, mathematical and ICT skills.
How will this course build on what I have studied in Year 9? Whilst this subject is not studied at Key Stage 3 there will be aspects of it that will be familiar as you would have touched on it in subjects such as Geography, History, Maths, English, PSHE, Careers and Citizenship.
What skills will I develop? As well as developing the essential transferable skills that employers demand, the following strengths are also cultivated through Business Studies:
  • Understanding organisational behaviour and structure;
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills, alongside familiarity with evaluative techniques;
  • A creative problem-solving approach and sound, logical decision-making skills;
  • Effective and persuasive written and oral communication skills;
  • Numeracy and the ability to research, interpret and use business and financial data and information;
  • Self-reliance, initiative and the ability to manage time, projects and resources;
  • Appreciation of the causes and effects of economic and other external changes
Who are the best people to see for more information? Mr Beyle Head of Business Studies