KS4 Business
A GCSE in Business equips students with the skills and confidence to explore how different business situations affect decision-making. Students will develop their understanding of business concepts, objectives and terminology, and the impact of contemporary issues on business operations.
Specification code: J204
Qualification number: 603/0295/1
Students have 3 lessons per week.
Exam board
OCR https://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/gcse/business-j204-from-2017/
Students are assessed through two exam paper which are worth 50% each. Both exams have a duration of 90 minutes. They have fifteen multiple questions and three extended answer questions. The total mark for each paper is 80. Below is an outline of what is taught for each paper.
1 Business activity, marketing and people This component will assess:
Students are introduced to business concepts and issues concerning the activities of a business. They explore the purpose and role of a business from spotting an opportunity through to the growth of an established business. They also look at the role of marketing and human resources.
|
Term |
|
Title |
Content |
|
Autumn |
1 |
Business Activity 1 |
The role of business enterprise and entrepreneurship Business Planning Business ownership |
|
2 |
Business Activity 2 |
Business Aims and Objectives Stakeholders in Business Business Growth |
|
|
Spring |
1
|
Marketing 1 |
The role of marketing Market research |
|
2 |
Marketing 2 |
Market segmentation The marketing mix |
|
|
Summer |
1 |
People 1 |
The role of human resources Organisational structures Communication in business |
|
2
|
People 2 |
Recruitment and selection Motivation and retention Training and development Employment law |
2 Operations, finance and influences on business This component will assess:
Students take a closer look at the role of operations and finance in business activity. Operations include production processes, quality of goods and services, customer service, and working with suppliers. Finance covers its role, its sources, costs, profit and loss, cash and cash flow. They also explore how business responds to external influences, such as ethical and environmental considerations, the economic climate and globalisation, and the interdependent nature of business.
|
Term |
|
Title |
Content |
|
Autumn |
1 |
Operations 1 |
Production processes Quality of goods and services The sales process/ customer service |
|
2
|
Operations 2 |
Consumer law Business location Working with suppliers |
|
|
Spring |
1
|
Finance 1 |
The role of the finance function Sources of finance Revenue, costs, profit, loss |
|
2 |
Finance 2 |
Break-even Cash and cash-flow |
|
|
Summer |
1
|
Influences on business |
Ethical and environmental considerations The economic climate Globalisation |
|
2
|
The interdependent nature of business |
Looking back on all the topics |
Outside the classroom
Pupils are encouraged to read the financial time and explore the London stock exchange website. They should also listen to or read about current affairs programmes where business affairs ore often discussed.
Progression pathways and careers
The GCSE business qualification opens up a world of possibilities in regards to both job prospects and future Level 3 qualifications. This course can lead onto traditional A levels and vocational equivalents. It will also equip you with life skills that will stand you in good stead for any future job. Business supports a number of further education and career pathways and is sound support to students intending to study medicine, law, engineering as many of these professions lead to business ownership or management.
Useful links
https://www.londonstockexchange.com/
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house
Contact
Ms Ashley Sackey, Head of Economics and Business
