We follow the GCSE Business Studies (Edexcel) to provide a well-rounded education that helps students gain knowledge, enjoy learning, and prepare for both work and life as confident, responsible members of society. Our specific aims are to:

• Help students understand key business concepts, terminology, goals, and how business affects individuals and society.
• Encourage students to think creatively and commercially, make informed decisions, and solve business problems.
• Support students in becoming independent learners and critical thinkers who can make thoughtful choices about business strategies.
• Give students the chance to explore real business situations and build strong, well-supported arguments based on their understanding.
• Develop students’ skills in using and interpreting business-related data.

In Key Stage 4, students receive five hours of Business Studies lessons over a fortnight. The department utilises a wide range of digital resources to effectively communicate ideas and information, ensuring lessons are engaging and of a high standard. Assessment is aligned with the school’s expectations, and students receive regular feedback, with clear, aspirational targets set for improvement.

The curriculum includes a structured scheme of work, enabling us to deliver 10 units over a two-year period. Lessons are taught by experienced teachers using a variety of resources, fostering a dynamic and interactive learning environment.

To support student progress, we conduct in-class assessments to reinforce and apply the knowledge taught. Techniques such as class questioning, retrieval practices, and assessment for learning are regularly employed. Data collected from assessments is used to inform future teaching, ensuring that students’ needs are met effectively.

The department maintains high standards through centralised resources, learning walks, lesson observations, and book scrutiny. These strategies help ensure consistency and that key concepts are addressed across all classes.

Students receive feedback in multiple forms, including self-assessment, peer assessment, and verbal feedback during lessons. Formal feedback is provided using the “What Went Well” (WWW) and “Even Better If” (EBI) model, as well as through both formative and summative assessments.

Additionally, students are set homework approximately every other week using the SENECA platform. This helps reinforce learning, identify knowledge gaps, and support the development of targeted intervention strategies.

At HLC, we believe that studying Business Studies plays a crucial role in shaping our students into confident, capable, and forward-thinking individuals. The course encourages the development of key character traits such as innovation, leadership, and problem-solving, which are essential for success in today’s fast-paced world. We aim to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in the global economy, preparing them to make valuable contributions at local, national, and international levels.

Through real-world case studies and practical applications, students learn how to approach and solve business challenges, gaining the confidence to handle issues they may encounter in their own or others’ businesses. Our goal is for students to become proficient and thoughtful business learners who can apply their knowledge in diverse situations, both inside and outside the classroom.

Students are set homework approximately every other week using the SENECA platform. This helps reinforce learning, identify knowledge gaps, and support the development of targeted intervention strategies.

As the exam windows approach, the focus of homework will shift towards past papers to ensure students are familiar with the exam structure. This will provide students with sufficient opportunities to practice and refine their exam techniques, helping them feel confident and prepared for their assessments.

We are committed to providing a well-rounded educational experience and are always seeking opportunities to enhance our curriculum with enrichment activities. These include contributions from industry experts, school visits, and outreach programs from further education institutions.

We are committed to ensuring our students achieve strong GCSE results and build a solid foundation for further study at A-Level, university, or in the digital workplace. The skills and knowledge developed in Business Studies are transferable, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities and empowering students to succeed in their future professional and personal lives.