Business Studies - GCSE

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In the first year of the course, pupils study two core units: Business in the Real World and Influences on Business. These topics introduce fundamental concepts such as business ownership, organisational structures, location factors and methods of business growth. Pupils then explore external influences—legislation, economic conditions, technology, competition—and consider how these factors impact decision-making and performance.

The second year moves into the main functional areas of business:

• Finance, including cash flow, break-even and financial decision-making
• Marketing, exploring research, segmentation and promotional strategies
• Operations, focusing on production processes, quality and customer service
• Human Resources, covering recruitment, training, motivation and organisational structure

Across both years, pupils are encouraged to interpret real business scenarios, analyse evidence and justify strategic decisions with confidence.

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Studying GCSE Business opens the door to a broad range of future pathways. The subject provides a strong academic foundation while also developing practical skills that are highly valued in both further education and the world of work.

Higher Education Opportunities

GCSE Business is an excellent stepping stone to a variety of post‑16 qualifications, including:

• A Level Business
• A Level Economics
• A Level Accounting
• BTEC or Cambridge Technical qualifications in Business or Enterprise
• Apprenticeships, including business administration, digital marketing, retail, finance and customer service
• T Levels, such as Management & Administration or Digital Business Services

These can lead to university study in areas such as:

• Business Management
• Marketing
• Accounting and Finance
• Human Resource Management
• Economics
• International Business
• Entrepreneurship
• Law or Business Law

Career Opportunities

Because business is such a wide‑ranging subject, pupils can progress into almost any sector. Popular career options include:

• Marketing and advertising
• Public relations
• Human resources
• Accounting and financial services
• Banking
• Retail and sales management
• Operations and logistics
• Project management
• Business development
• Customer experience roles
• Small‑business ownership or entrepreneurship

GCSE Business helps students understand how organisations operate, making it relevant to careers in private companies, charities, public services, and self‑employment.

Life Skills and Personal Development

Beyond qualifications and career routes, GCSE Business also equips pupils with valuable skills for everyday life, such as:

• Financial awareness – understanding budgeting, revenue, profit and basic financial decision‑making
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving – analysing situations and making informed decisions
• Communication skills – presenting ideas clearly and confidently
• Understanding the economy – knowing how wider economic changes affect work, prices and opportunities
• Leadership and teamwork – developed through group tasks, case studies and project work
• Entrepreneurial mindset – creativity, initiative and resilience

These skills help pupils navigate adulthood, manage money, understand the world of work and make informed choices about their future.

Supporting your child through GCSE Business doesn’t require specialist knowledge—small, consistent habits make a big difference. Here are practical ways parents and carers can help at home.

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Talk About Real‑Life Business Stories

Encourage your child to make connections between what they learn in lessons and the world around them.
You can support this by:

• Discussing news stories about the economy, prices, or business decisions

• Talking about adverts, marketing campaigns or business events you notice in daily life

• Exploring how local shops or online companies operate

This builds understanding of key concepts such as finance, marketing, competition and external influences.

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Encourage Regular Revision

Business involves lots of independent learning and retrieval practice. Help your child by:

• Setting up short, manageable revision sessions

• Encouraging use of flashcards, mind maps and self‑quizzing

• Helping them revise key terms and definitions

Little‑and‑often revision helps secure the knowledge needed for both exam papers.

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Use the Exam Board Resources

Pupils benefit from revising using real materials. You can support them by accessing:

• Past papers and mark schemes

• Exam board specification and revision checklists

• Online revision videos or apps recommended by the teacher

This helps them understand what exam questions look like and how answers are structured.

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Ask Them to Explain What They’ve Learned

A great way to reinforce knowledge is to ask your child to teach you:

• What topic they covered that day

• A new business term they learned

• How a certain business might make decisions in real life

Explaining concepts out loud strengthens confidence and memory.

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Encourage Good Organisation

GCSE Business involves case studies, notes and key terminology, so being organised is essential.
You can support by helping them:

• Keep their exercise book and revision materials tidy

• Use folders or files to sort topics

• Plan a revision timetable ahead of assessments

Being well‑organised reduces stress later in the course.

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Promote Positive Study Habits

Support their wellbeing as well as their learning by ensuring they:

• Take regular breaks

• Work in a quiet space without distractions

• Eat well, sleep well and manage screen time

• Ask for help when they need it

A healthy study routine improves focus and motivation.

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Encourage Aspirations and Career Thinking

Talking about future pathways helps your child see the relevance of what they are learning.
Discuss:

• Careers linked to business (marketing, finance, HR, management)

• Apprenticeships or A‑level/BTEC options

• Skills employers value, such as communication and leadership

This keeps them motivated and engaged.

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Keep in Touch With the School

If your child is unsure or struggling, please contact their Business teacher. We can:

• Share targeted resources

• Provide intervention or support sessions

• Offer updates on progress and next steps

Communication between home and school is a key part of success.

Year Ten

Unit Two – Influences on Business

Technology

Digital technology and e-commerce and their impact on business

Ethical and Environmental considerations

Environmental considerations to include: traffic congestion, re-cycling, disposal of waste and noise and air pollution.

Sustainability including: global warming and using of scares resources

The Economic Climate

Interest rates, levels of employment and consumer spending

Globalisation

The ways in which businesses compete abroad

The impact of changing exchange rates

Legislation

Employment, health and safety and consumer law and the impact on business

The Competitive Environment

The impact on business of operating in a competitive market

Uncertainty and the risks faced by businesses

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Year 11

Sources of Finance

Investigating the different sources of finance available to businesses.

Making decisions on the appropriateness of these different sources to a variety of business situations.

Cash-Flow

The importance of cash to a business

How to interpret cash flow forecasts

The difference between cash and profit

Financial Terms and Calculations

Basic Financial Terms

Basic financial calculations

Calculating average Rate of return

Calculating breakeven

Analysing the Financial Performance of a Business

The purpose and components of financial statements (statement of financial position and income statements)

How to interpret data on financial statements