Business Studies
Business studies and finance staff
Mr J Jain, learning leader of business and finance.
Ms D Vessey, teacher of business and finance
Ms A Taiwo, teacher of finance
Mr R Khan, teacher of business
KS4
The department provides several mainstream (Purse GCSE’s) and vocational courses to meet the varying needs of our learners, to provide them opportunities to engage and be successful and to move into post 16 education/training opportunities.
| OCR GCSE Business Studies Resources |
| OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Business is an up-to-date and engaging qualification that is relevant to the world of business today. This qualification will equip our students 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 our students 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 specification is divided into topics, each covering key concepts of business. |
| Assessment: The assessment is 100% exam based with 2 papers in second year each carrying equal weighting of 50%. |
| For more information: please visit https://ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/business-j204-from-2017/ |
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| WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Award in Retail Business Resources |
| WJEC Level 1/2 Vocational Awards (Technical Awards) provide our students with opportunities to study vocational subjects alongside GCSEs and other general and vocational qualifications as part of a broad programme of study. They are primarily designed to offer an experience that focuses on applied learning, i.e., acquiring and applying knowledge, skills and understanding through purposeful tasks set in sector or subject contexts that have many of the characteristics of real work. Our learners have access to Rushden lakes shopping centre that has many retail outlets to help them contextualise their learning. The qualification will encourage our students to make informed choices about a wide range of further learning opportunities and career pathways as well as develop life skills. |
| Assessment: The assessment is 40% exam (unit 1) and 60% controlled course works (Unit 2 and 3) set by examination board. |
| For more information: please visit https://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/level-1-2-vocational-award-in-retail-business/#tab_keydocuments |
Curriculum Map:
| LIBF Level 1/2 Technical Award in Finance |
| The qualification provides the opportunity for learners to apply their knowledge from GCSE English and Mathematics in a vocational context – demonstrate the appropriate calculations, in a financial context – and communicate their findings through extended writing. It also complements other GCSEs in a wide range of areas such as creative areas and humanities through practical application and transferable skills gained, such as communication, analytical and research skills. Unit 1 – Finance for the Individual Unit 2 – Finance in Business Unit 3 – Financial Services Sector |
| Assessment: 50% externally assessed, non-exam assessment 50% externally assessed, assessment by exam |
| For more information: please visit https://www.libf.ac.uk/study/financial-education/qualifications/technical-award-in-finance-(taf)-level-2 |
Curriculum Map:
KS5
| Cambridge Technical (CTECH) extended certificate in business. |
| Cambridge Technical suite gives the reassurance to our student that they have the right qualifications to support their lifelong learning journey. Cambridge Technical are vocational qualifications at Level 3 with a broad selection of theme to choose from. They are designed with the workplace in mind and provide a high-quality alternative to A Levels, supporting progression to higher education or employment through both apprenticeships and direct employment route. Vocational education is not just about results, it is about educating people in the knowledge and skills required for employment and for the community. It is also about developing the behaviours and attributes needed to progress and succeed in education and in work. |
| Assessment: Unit 1 – The business environment, external exam (double weighted) Unit 2 – Working in business, external exam Unit 4 – Customers and communication, coursework Unit 5 – Marketing and market research, coursework Unit 8 – Introduction to human resources, coursework |
| For more information visit https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/cambridge-technicals/business/#level-3 |
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| Certificate in Financial studies (CeFS) and Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) |
| The finance course aims specifically to improve core skills of critical analysis and evaluation, synthesis, verbal communication (through classroom discussion) and written communication (through case studies). In first year, CeFS is a compulsory subject for Year 12s as it serves as a foundation for apprenticeship, preparation for employment in any field with knowledge of personal income, debt management strategies, savings products, consumer protection bodies among others in the UK. It aims to develop the knowledge and skills needed to make well informed financial decisions, evaluate risk, and return patterns in financial planning. |
| CeFS Assessment: It comprises two mandatory courses which should be successfully completed to achieve the certificate, assessed through a mix of Examination-based Multiple-Choice Questions and Case-studies. In second year, DipFS explores financial sustainability in the long term, explore critically the influence of external factors and global events on financial decision making. DipFS Assessment: It comprises two mandatory courses which should be successfully completed to achieve the certificate, assessed through a mix of Examination-based Multiple-Choice Questions and Case-studies. |
| For more information: please visit www.libf.ac.uk |
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