Why do we learn business studies?
KS4
In GCSE Business, our aim is to provide the students with up-to-date and comprehensive business knowledge as well as the transferable skills required to set up and operate a successful business. This robust qualification also helps equip students for entering accounting, marketing, financial, human-resources, operations, public relations, media and legal based professions in the future.
KS5
At KS5, here at Ark Academy we study the BTEC National Extended Diploma in Business which is equivelent to 3 A-Levels. Our vision is to provide the students with a solid foundation to progress to univerity or third-level apprenticeship qualificaitons. This qualificaiton provides our students with a wide-ranging study of the business sector. It is primarily designed for students who wish to pursue a career in business or to set up their own business venture in the future. This qualification provides our students with the opportunity to learn all about business environments, finance, marketing, international business and management. As well as an indeph study of accounting, financial services, law and retail.
Our approach
KS4
At KS4, students will develop a range of skills demanded by employers such as non-routine problem solving, adaptability, self-management and critical thinking - Key skills demanded in today's world of work!
Throughout Years 10 and 11, students will experience an engaging and inspiring qualification which not only reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving business world but that enables our students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising young professionals which will ultimately help them to succeed in their chosen employment pathway in the near future. If you are interested in setting up your own business in the future or your vision is to work in the field of marketing, accounting/finance, operations management, human resources, public relations, media or a legal based profession, this is the perfect qualification to help you turn your vision into reality.
KS5
At KS5, students build further upon the skills developed at KS4 to ensure they leave Ark Academy ready and equipped for university or third-level apprentiship courses. The key skills developed as a result of this qualificaiton are cognitive and problem-solving skills e.g. critical thinking, use of systems and technology; interpersonal skills e.g. communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing as well as intrapersonal skills e.g. self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development and self-presentation.
Throughout Years 12 and 13, students will experience an engaging and inspiring qualification which not only reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving business world but that enables our students to develop as commercially minded and enterprising young professionals which will ultimately help them to succeed in their chosen employment pathway in the near future.
Head of Department
Mr Nugent
Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| What makes a successful entrepreneur? How are gaps in the market identified quickly? | |
|
Enterprise & Entrepreneurship |
Spotting a business opportunity |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| How do I turn my business vision into reality? What are the best options for business start-up? | |
|
Putting a business idea into practice |
Making the business effective |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| How does external influences impact a business? | |
|
Understanding external influences on business |
Revision for End of Year 10 Business Assessments |
Year 11
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| What is the best approach to grow a business? How does the maketing mix enable entrepreneurs to make business decisions? | |
|
Growing the business |
Making marketing decisions |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| How does design, supply, quality and financial tools help meet customer needs? How does people influence business activity? | |
|
Making operational & financial decisions |
Making human resource decisions |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| How do we make the most of revision? Are you fully prepared for your GCSE examinations? | |
|
GCSE Revision |
GCSE Revision |
Year 12
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| How are businesses organised? Why is marketing needed for success? | |
|
Explore business features and how they are organised Environments and markets Innovation & Enterprise |
Marketing principles & information Planning a Marketing Campaign |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| What is the difference between personal and business finance? Is this event feisable? | |
|
Personal and business financial principles Financial issues |
The role of an event organiser Feisability of an event Develop, stage & reflect upon a proposed event |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Is international trade worth it for UK businesses? Does autocratic leadership styles always lead to business success? | |
|
International context for business operations The international economic environment External and cultural factors that impact interntaional business Strategic and operational approaches to international trade |
Management principles Leadership styles Manaagement information & data Leadership proposals |
Year 13
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| How are accurate business decisions made? How does the law impact upon recruitment and selection? What is team cohesion? What is a micro-business start up? | |
|
Business decision-making Recruitment & selection process |
Team building in business Micro-business start-up |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Why should a business adhere to its CSR policy? Are you prepared for your Unit 6 & 7 examinations? | |
|
Corporate Social Responsibility Principles of Management (Revisit) |
Business Decision-Making (Revisit) Business Plan Executive Summary |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| What differentiates training from development? Which is best 'primary' or 'secondary' market research? | |
|
Training & Development Induction Benefits of induciton Methods of trainig and development |
Market Research Examine methods of market research Suggest more appropriate methods |