Business

At Excelsior Academy, Business Studies helps pupils understand how businesses operate in the real world and the important role they play within local, national and global economies. Through the study of Business, pupils develop knowledge of key areas such as marketing, finance, operations and human resources, whilst also building valuable transferable skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making.

Pupils learn how different functions within a business work together and how organisations respond to changes in technology, customer needs, competition and the wider economic environment. Learning is brought to life through the use of real business examples, case studies and current events, encouraging pupils to think critically, evaluate evidence and make informed judgements.

Business is studied across Years 10 and 11 as part of the EA Horizons curriculum. The course prepares pupils for further study, apprenticeships, employment and entrepreneurship by developing both business knowledge and practical workplace skills.

Aims of the EA Horizons Business Curriculum (Years 10 and 11)

Throughout the course, pupils develop an understanding of how businesses are started, managed and grown successfully. They take part in practical activities, discussions and case study analysis that help them apply business theory to real-world situations.

The curriculum aims to develop pupils who can:

• Understand how businesses operate and respond to opportunities and challenges.
• Analyse business information and make informed decisions.
• Evaluate different business strategies and their effectiveness.
• Develop commercial awareness and an understanding of enterprise.
• Build communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that are valued by employers and further education providers.

Topic 1: Business Activity

Pupils explore why businesses exist, different forms of business ownership and the factors that influence business growth. They learn about entrepreneurship, business aims and objectives, stakeholder groups and how businesses are organised to meet their goals.

Topic 2: Marketing

Pupils learn how businesses attract and retain customers. They study market research, customer needs, market segmentation and the marketing mix, including product, price, place and promotion. They examine how successful marketing contributes to business performance.

Topic 3: People in Business

This topic focuses on the importance of people within organisations. Pupils investigate recruitment, selection, training, motivation and organisational structures, developing an understanding of how effective people management contributes to business success.

Topic 4: Operations

Pupils explore how businesses produce goods and deliver services. They learn about production methods, quality management, customer service, suppliers, procurement and the impact that location and operational decisions can have on efficiency and profitability.

Topic 5: Finance

Pupils develop an understanding of how businesses manage money and make financial decisions. They study costs, revenue, profit, cash flow, break-even analysis and financial performance, learning how businesses use financial information to support decision-making.

Topic 6: Influences on Business

Pupils examine the external factors that affect businesses, including economic conditions, technological developments, environmental concerns, ethical considerations and government policies. They explore how organisations must adapt to changing circumstances and respond to challenges and opportunities.

Topic 7: Interdependency

Pupils investigate how all areas of a business are connected and influence one another. They explore how decisions made in one area, such as marketing, finance, operations or human resources, can impact other areas of the organisation and overall business performance.

Outcomes

By the end of Year 11, pupils will have developed a broad understanding of business concepts and the skills needed to analyse, evaluate and solve problems in a range of business contexts. They will be equipped with the knowledge, confidence and commercial awareness required for further study, apprenticeships, employment or future entrepreneurial ventures.

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

Business-Curriculum.pdf