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Business & Enterprise

Our business and enterprise curriculum is designed to foster an entrepreneurial mindset, critical thinking, and essential business skills that prepare students for success in the ever-evolving global marketplace. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students will explore various aspects of business, including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, management, and innovation. Our curriculum emphasises hands-on learning experiences, business simulations, and practical projects that challenge students to think creatively, solve problems, and develop effective communication and collaboration skills. Students will have opportunities to develop business plans, launch initiatives, and engage in entrepreneurial activities that promote initiative, leadership, and adaptability. Our staff will provide valuable insights into real-world business practices.

What makes a good student of Business and Enterprise?

Demonstrates a genuine interest and passion for business, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Possesses strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, applying business concepts to real-world scenarios.
Shows effective communication and collaboration skills, working well in team projects and presentations.
Exhibits creativity and innovative thinking, generating fresh ideas and approaches.
Demonstrates strong organisational and project management skills, meeting deadlines and delivering quality work.
Displays an understanding of financial literacy and numeracy, applying basic financial concepts to business scenarios.
Shows an ability to adapt and embrace change, navigating the dynamic nature of the business landscape.
Exhibits an entrepreneurial mindset, demonstrating initiative, resilience, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
Demonstrates an understanding of marketing principles and effective communication strategies.
Shows an awareness of ethical considerations and social responsibility in business practices.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Exam Board – Pearsons BTEC

What is the course?

The Pearson Tech Award in Enterprise is an exciting and dynamic course which immerses you in the world of business start-up. You will specialise in the arts of Enterprise and Marketing which are interesting and challenging areas of Business. Students have opportunities to investigate the start-up process from the development of business ideas, through to the creation of a finished product. The course examines a business life, from the moment an idea is created through to the point where it reaches the market.

What will I be taught?

The Enterprise course specialises in the start-up and pitching of business ideas. You will learn core Business concepts such as Financing and Marketing a business.

Which units will I study?

Year 10: Investigating Enterprises (coursework assessed) and Planning for and pitching Enterprise activity (coursework assessed).
Year 11: Marketing and Finance Enterprise (examination assessed).

Is there a practical element?

The course is vocational and as such the two internally assessed coursework units are very practical. You will create your own design for a product, brand your ideas and bring a finished product to market.

What skills will I learn?

Enterprise and Marketing students will learn to be creative in their approach to Business situations. In addition, you will develop high quality analytical skills.

Is there coursework involved in this subject?

Two units of study are assessed via coursework. This accounts for approximately 60% of the final grade.

What would be expected of me?

You are expected to put maximum effort into all that you do. You are expected to embody the entrepreneurial spirit of innovation and have a willingness to take risks.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of both examination and coursework. Coursework accounts for 60% of the overall grade. The examination is based on core Business concepts with questions ranging from multiple choice, calculation and short answer.

What courses or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

This is a well-regarded and recognised qualification which is respected by schools and employers alike. This will allow you to enter the working world to gain an apprenticeship or to undertake further study at post 16 level.

Teaching Hours: 5 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

The Extended Certificate in Business is for learners who are interested in learning about the businesssector alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses and ultimately employment in the business sector. The qualification is equivalent in size to one A Level and aims to provide a coherent introduction to study of the business environment.

Course Details

Mandatory Units:

Business environments
Working in Business
Customers and Communication

The optional units have been designed to support choices in progression to business courses in higher education and to link with relevant occupational areas:

Marketing and Market Research
Business Events

How the course is delivered

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of internal and external assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. External assessment is taken under specified conditions and marked by Pearson. Internal assessments are marked by the teacher, and subject to external standards verification. The Extended Certificate consists of two externally assessed units, and two internally assessed units.

Entry Requirements

Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English Literature or Language and Maths. Subject specific results will also be considered when choosing this course.

Teaching Hours: 8 hours per fortnight

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

Try launching a small business (e.g. an Etsy store) to provide real life experience in entrepreneurship, marketing and finance.
Secure work experience with a local business to gain an insight into what goes into running a successful business.
Participate in stock market simulation games or clubs to understand how the financial markets work.
Lead or participate in fundraising activities in school or your local community to gain experience in working together with others, marketing and financial management.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Book title	Book author
Elon Musk	Ashlee Vance
There is no Planet B	Mike Berners-Lee
The Ride of a Lifetime	Robert Iger
The Google Story	David A Vise
Grinding it Out The Making of McDonalds	Ray Kroc