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At Excelsior Academy, GCSE Business helps students understand how businesses work in the real world. They learn about key areas like marketing, finance, operations and human resources. The course also builds useful life skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

Students learn how different parts of a business connect and how businesses respond to change. They study real examples and are encouraged to think critically and make informed decisions. The course prepares them for further study, employment or starting a business. Business is studied across Years 10 and 11. Two exams at the end of Year 11 decide the final grade from 1 (lowest) to 9 (highest possible grade). 

Aims of Key Stage 4 curriculum  

By the end of the course, students will understand how businesses start and grow. They’ll take part in practical tasks, case studies and discussions to build skills for the workplace or further learning. 

  • Topic 1- Business Activity: Students explore why businesses exist, different ownership types and what drives growth. They learn how businesses plan, set goals and involve stakeholders like customers and employees. 
     

  • Topic 2- Marketing: Students learn how businesses attract and keep customers. They study market research, the marketing mix (product, price, place, promotion) and how businesses target different groups. 
     

  • Topic 3- People in Business: This topic covers how businesses recruit, train and motivate staff. Students learn about job roles, organisation structures and how people management supports success. 
     

  • Topic 4- Operations: Students explore how products and services are delivered. They look at production methods, quality control, customer service and how location and suppliers impact business. 
     

  • Topic 5- Finance: Students learn how businesses manage money. They study costs, revenue, profit, break-even and how financial data supports decisions. 
     

  • Topic 6- Influences on Business: Students examine how external factors like the economy, technology, environmental concerns and government decisions can impact how businesses operate. 
     

  • Topic 7- Interdependency: Students explore how all business areas are connected. For example, how marketing affects finance or how staffing influences operations. 

The course is practical and engaging, helping students develop real-world business knowledge and key skills for further education or work. 

Subject leader: Peter.Stead@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk 

Business-Curriculum.pdf