Business Studies

Our Business Studies curriculum is ambitious, inclusive, and forward-thinking. It is designed to empower all learners — regardless of background or starting point — to succeed in an increasingly complex and connected world.

We want our pupils to understand that there is always a choice with using technology and as a school, we utilise technology to model positive use. We recognise that the best prevention for a lot of issues we currently see with technology/social media is through education. We recognise that technology can allow pupils to share their learning in creative ways. We also understand the accessibility opportunities technology can provide for our pupils.

Back to KS4 Subjects

At Key Stage 4, students explore the fundamentals of enterprise, marketing, and finance. They develop transferable skills such as planning, teamwork, and communication, while engaging with real-world case studies and entrepreneurial activities

CRITERION A

Inquiring & Analysing

Criterion b

Developing Ideas

criterion C

Creating the Solution

criterion d

Evaluating

statement of inquiry

The success of an enterprise depends on how well it aligns its purpose, characteristics, and operations with the needs of its market.

APPROACHES to Learning
  • Critical thinking
  • Research and data analysis
  • Collaboration and communication
statement of inquiry

Effective market research empowers enterprises to better meet customer needs and remain competitive in dynamic markets.

APPROACHES to Learning
  • Data interpretation
  • Communication and inquiry
  • Decision making
statement of inquiry

Enterprise success is influenced by how internal and external factors are managed and how effectively success is measured.

APPROACHES to Learning
  • Evaluation and synthesis
  • Reflection
  • Strategic thinking
statement of inquiry

Sound planning rooted in real customer needs helps transform ideas into viable micro-enterprises.

APPROACHES to Learning
  • Brainstorming and idea mapping
  • Market research techniques
  • Feasibility analysis
  • Peer review and critique
statement of inquiry

Confident and structured communication is key to securing support for an enterprise idea.

APPROACHES to Learning
  • Rehearsals and practice delivery
  • Peer and teacher feedback
  • Visual aid development
  • Reflection on pitch performance
statement of inquiry

Critical self-reflection leads to personal growth and improved business outcomes.

APPROACHES to Learning
  • Structured reflection tasks
  • Use of peer and audience feedback
  • Evaluation rubrics and success criteria
statement of inquiry

Understanding the characteristics, activities, and environments of enterprises enables individuals to evaluate success and develop informed business decision-making skills.

Approaches to Learning
  • Inquiry-based learning using case studies
  • Comparative and critical analysis
  • Reflective research and enterprise exploration
  • Structured group and independent tasks
  • Visual thinking tools (e.g., SWOT/PESTLE, mood boards)
statement of inquiry

The effectiveness of an enterprise’s promotional strategy depends on how well it is tailored to the target audience and business objectives.

Approaches to Learning
  • Analysing case studies
  • Developing creative responses
  • Evaluating promotional effectiveness
statement of inquiry

Effective planning, research, and communication are essential to develop and pitch successful enterprise ideas that meet customer needs ethically and sustainably.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research skills (market and customer analysis)
  • Critical thinking (evaluating enterprise viability)
  • Communication skills (pitching ideas clearly and persuasively)
  • Self-management (planning and time management)
statement of inquiry

Maintaining accurate financial records enables enterprises to manage operations, forecast growth, and remain sustainable.

Approaches to Learning
  • Numeracy application
  • Interpretation of financial data
  • Use of financial scenarios and role play
statement of inquiry

Effective financial forecasting and planning help enterprises allocate resources efficiently and make informed decisions for sustainability.

Approaches to Learning
  • Scenario problem-solving
  • Decision-making frameworks
  • Financial reasoning
Back to KS5 Subjects
ks5 business studies

At Post-16, learners move into deeper exploration of strategic business concepts, financial modelling, and campaign development. They are challenged to apply their knowledge critically and creatively, with opportunities to work independently and collaboratively on extended projects.

Statement of INQUIRY

Effective marketing campaigns require a strategic understanding of market segmentation, consumer behaviour, and the marketing mix to influence and meet the needs of a target audience in a dynamic and competitive global market.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research: Collecting and analysing market data
  • Critical thinking: Evaluating campaign strategies
  • Communication: Presenting marketing proposals
  • Collaboration: Working in teams to design campaign elements
  • Self-management: Time management in controlled assessment settings
Statement of INQUIRY

Effective marketing campaigns require a strategic understanding of market segmentation, consumer behaviour, and the marketing mix to influence and meet the needs of a target audience in a dynamic and competitive global market.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research: Collecting and analysing market data
  • Critical thinking: Evaluating campaign strategies
  • Communication: Presenting marketing proposals
  • Collaboration: Working in teams to design campaign elements
  • Self-management: Time management in controlled assessment settings
Statement of INQUIRY

Understanding how different types of businesses operate, their aims, stakeholders, and responses to external influences helps explain their performance and strategic direction in a complex global environment.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research: Gathering data on real businesses
  • Organisation: Structuring findings logically
  • Collaboration: Working in pairs or groups to compare businesses
  • Communication: Presenting case study findings
  • Critical thinking: Analysing and interpreting business information
Statement of INQUIRY

Understanding how different types of businesses operate, their aims, stakeholders, and responses to external influences helps explain their performance and strategic direction in a complex global environment.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research: Gathering data on real businesses
  • Organisation: Structuring findings logically
  • Collaboration: Working in pairs or groups to compare businesses
  • Communication: Presenting case study findings
  • Critical thinking: Analysing and interpreting business information
Statement of INQUIRY

Understanding how different types of businesses operate, their aims, stakeholders, and responses to external influences helps explain their performance and strategic direction in a complex global environment.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research: Gathering data on real businesses
  • Organisation: Structuring findings logically
  • Collaboration: Working in pairs or groups to compare businesses
  • Communication: Presenting case study findings
  • Critical thinking: Analysing and interpreting business information
Statement of INQUIRY

Understanding how different types of businesses operate, their aims, stakeholders, and responses to external influences helps explain their performance and strategic direction in a complex global environment.

Approaches to Learning
  • Research: Gathering data on real businesses
  • Organisation: Structuring findings logically
  • Collaboration: Working in pairs or groups to compare businesses
  • Communication: Presenting case study findings
  • Critical thinking: Analysing and interpreting business information
Statement of Inquiry

Understanding financial principles empowers individuals and organisations to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and ensure long-term financial stability.

Approaches to learning
  • Numeracy: Financial calculations
  • Problem solving: Case studies on budgeting and finance decisions
  • Organisation: Analysing financial documents
  • ICT: Using spreadsheets for modelling
Statement of Inquiry

Understanding financial principles empowers individuals and organisations to make informed decisions, manage resources effectively, and ensure long-term financial stability.

Approaches to learning
  • Numeracy: Financial calculations
  • Problem solving: Case studies on budgeting and finance decisions
  • Organisation: Analysing financial documents
  • ICT: Using spreadsheets for modelling
Statement of Inquiry

Effective recruitment and selection processes ensure businesses attract, identify, and retain the right talent while complying with legal and ethical frameworks in a competitive global environment.

Approaches to learning
  • Collaboration: Role-plays of interviews
  • Research: Investigating job adverts and legal responsibilities
  • Communication: Writing CVs, cover letters, and job descriptions
  • Self-management: Preparing for interviews
Statement of Inquiry

Effective recruitment and selection processes ensure businesses attract, identify, and retain the right talent while complying with legal and ethical frameworks in a competitive global environment.

Approaches to learning
  • Collaboration: Role-plays of interviews
  • Research: Investigating job adverts and legal responsibilities
  • Communication: Writing CVs, cover letters, and job descriptions
  • Self-management: Preparing for interviews
Statement of Inquiry

Effective recruitment and selection processes ensure businesses attract, identify, and retain the right talent while complying with legal and ethical frameworks in a competitive global environment.

Approaches to learning
  • Collaboration: Role-plays of interviews
  • Research: Investigating job adverts and legal responsibilities
  • Communication: Writing CVs, cover letters, and job descriptions
  • Self-management: Preparing for interviews