Business (GCSE Option)

Belong  

In alignment with Altus Education Partnership’s vision, the Business Studies curriculum creates an inclusive and cohesive education that improves students' lives through enterprise, innovation and critical thinking. It advances education so that students lead fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities and society through informed decision-making and leadership.   

The curriculum is designed to build business acumen progressively, developing students’ understanding of finance, marketing, operations, human resources and external influences. Through sequenced study, learners develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills that prepare them for future opportunities. The curriculum encourages students to evaluate ethical and sustainable business practices, linking economic understanding to social and environmental responsibility.   

Resilience is fostered through complex analytical tasks; Responsibility through decision-making and leadership; Empathy through understanding stakeholder perspectives; and Respect through engagement with diverse global business models.   

Thrive  

Business Studies teaching uses retrieval practice to consolidate terminology, models and frameworks such as the Marketing Mix. Schema-building connects ideas across different business functions and case studies. Spaced practice reinforces analytical writing and interpretation of data, while cognitive load theory ensures that students can process complex concepts and numerical information without overload.   

Teachers model analytical and evaluative writing, facilitate discussion of real-world case studies, and use questioning to deepen understanding. Assessment informs planning, ensuring that learning is responsive and challenging. Professional dialogue and CPD maintain coherence and rigour across the subject.   

Resilience is developed through strategic problem-solving; Responsibility through evaluation of business ethics and sustainability; Empathy through studying consumer and employee perspectives; and Respect through critical engagement with global issues.   

Achieve   

Students leave Edgar Wood Academy with the knowledge and confidence to analyse and evaluate business behaviour in local, national and global contexts. They demonstrate logical thinking, numerical literacy and an awareness of ethical and sustainable practice. Students leave as independent thinkers ready to engage with the world of work and enterprise.   

The Business Studies curriculum embodies the Academy’s values of Resilience, Responsibility, Empathy and Respect. It supports the Trust’s mission to advance education that empowers young people to make informed choices, lead with integrity, and contribute positively to society through enterprise and innovation. 

GCSE Business

GCSE Business is an exciting introduction to the world of business and how this sector influences the world we live in. Students will learn the fundamentals of business alongside how a business can be built. 

The aim of this qualification is for students to know and understand business concepts and the impact of business on individuals and the wider-society. Some of the key topics covered include contemporary business issues, different types and sizes of businesses in local, national and global contexts, and entrepreneurship.

Whilst studying this course students will apply their knowledge and understanding to business decision making, including the nature of business activity, and business operations such as finance, marketing and human resources; and how these interdependencies underpin business decision making.

Learning Journeys in GCSE Business