Key Stage 4

BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise

The BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise has been designed to help KS4 14-16 year old learners develop their business skills through practical, skills-based learning. Assessment is through task-based assignments so learners can demonstrate their knowledge and skills in work-related scenarios.

Learners will explore, develop and apply their knowledge helping to develop key transferable skills such as research and data analysis to support their progression to further learning and the workplace.

How does the course work?

The course is made up of three components: two internally assessed and one that’s externally assessed. Our three-block structure, explore, develop and apply, has been developed to allow students to build on and embed their knowledge. This allows them to grow in confidence and then put into practice what they have learned.

 The Components are:

1. Exploring Enterprises
2. Planning for and Running an Enterprise
3. Promotion and Finance for Enterprise

 OCR GCSE Business Studies

This qualification equips learners with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect business decisions. It is a well-rounded introduction to the subject.

The qualification will encourage learners to make informed choices about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways as well as develop life skills that enable them to become financially and commercially aware.

The assessment is by two exams each worth 50% of the overall grade.

Key Stage 5

BTEC Level 3 National Foundation & Diploma in Business Level 3 (Equivalent to 1 or 2 A Levels)
Mode: Full Time

This course is designed for people who wish to progress into either university study or higher apprenticeships. BTEC Nationals requires applied learning that brings together knowledge and understanding with practical and technical skills. This is achieved through learners performing vocational tasks that encourage the development of appropriate vocational behaviours and transferable skills.

The course will blend classroom learning with self directed study and organised excursions that will help and support your learning.  You will also be required to research, plan and execute events that will give you realistic experience in the world of business

Topics that you will study in the first year are:

• Exploring Business

• Developing a Marketing Campaign

• Personal and Business Finance

• Managing an Event

• Work Experience

Entry Requirements:

• 5 or more GCSEs at Level 4 or above, including Maths and English, however, lower grades are considered on a case-by-case basis.

AQA A level BUSINESS Studies 

Entry Requirements:

• Mathematics Grade 9-4

The course is linear. Students that progress onto the full A level do not carry forward marks from Year 12; they are examined on all of the AS material that was covered in year 12 as well as new material from year 13 in the 3 examinations at the end of the course. Students that study the subject only to AS will be accredited with the qualification at the end of year 12.
 

Topics covered

1. What is business?

2. Managers, leadership and decision making

3. Decision making to improve marketing performance

4. Decision making to improve operational performance

5. Decision making to improve financial performance

6. Decision making to improve human resource performance

7. Analysing the strategic position of a business (A-level only)

8. Choosing strategic direction (A-level only)

9. Strategic methods: how to pursue strategies (A-level only)

10. Managing strategic change (A-level only)

Department Resources Available:

• GCSE – Revision handbooks on Google classroom
• BTEC – All assignments and resources available on Google classroom
• Extra-Curricular Activities Offered 

For all of our KS5 courses you will need to complete an application form and attend an interview which will give you an opportunity to ask detailed questions about the course. For further details contact Mr Wright on 01803 328725 or martin.wright@stcm.torbay.sch.uk

Teaching Team

Mr M. Wright
Head of Business & Enterprise

Mr A. Boughton

Curriculum Summary